In response to poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) will develop new workplace safety and health rules in the coming months.
During wildfire season this past summer, Washington experienced some of the worst air quality in the world. Wildfire smoke contains chemicals, gases, and fine particles that can negatively impact an individual’s health—especially those who
work outside for prolonged periods of time.
Some of the issues expected to be addressed in the new rules include:
- Identification of harmful exposures;
- Training and instruction requirements; and
- Control of harmful exposures.
AWC expects that any adopted wildfire smoke worker-safety rules will impact cities and require additional workplace safety for police, public works, parks, and other employees.
L&I plans to hold meetings in the next few months to begin gathering information from stakeholders to create a draft wildfire smoke rule. Like all rulemaking, once there is an official draft rule, there will be opportunities for public comment. More
information on the rulemaking is available on the L&I website.