Wrapping up a record wildfire smoke season

This year Oregon had record wildfire smoke, especially in the eastern part of the state, where Oregon OSHA saw record complaints about it.

Wildfire smoke impacts all Oregon workers whether you work indoors or outdoors. It’s even important when you aren’t working to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. It can be hazardous if you are working in the yard, camping, or doing any other activity when the air quality index (AQI) is too high.

Because young workers often have outdoor, seasonal jobs, this is a very important issue. Luckily, it’s easy to keep track of air quality in your area.

First, download the AirNow app (AirNow Mobile App | AirNow.gov) from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which provides up-to-date information about the air quality where you are. Then protect yourself if you must be outdoors or avoid the outdoors altogether if the air quality is too hazardous.

Use this chart from the EPA to make your decisions:

Remember, if you could be exposed to wildfire smoke on the job, your employer is required to provide specific training. Learn more from Oregon OSHA’s fact sheet: https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHAPubs/factsheets/fs92.pdf.