Washington’s Workplace Rules for Wildfire Smoke: A Brief Refresher
The Pacific Northwest is currently experiencing a record fire season, with smoke from multiple wildfires leading to degraded air quality which can increase health risks to outdoor workers. As poor air quality is expected to continue for the duration of the wildfire season, now is a good time to remind Washington employers of the current wildfire smoke rules.
In 2024, Washington became one of only three states to enact permanent, year-round rules designed to protect workers from the dangers of wildfire smoke. The rules (WAC 296-820-805 through 296-820-860 for General Industry and WAC 296-307-09805 through 396-307-09860 for Agriculture) apply to employers that have employees working in outdoor environments, such as construction and agriculture. The rules also include workplaces where doors and windows are opened frequently, such as public transportation. Indoor workplaces, in which the employer ensures that windows, doors, bays, and other exterior openings are kept closed, are not impacted by these rules.
Wildfire smoke contains extremely small particles measured in micrograms pers cubic meter, otherwise known as PM2.5. These particles are the primary pollutant of public and occupational health concern in wildfire smoke. Employers covered under the Wildfire Smoke Rules are required to monitor PM2.5 conditions and forecasts and implement a written response plan for different wildfire smoke conditions as they develop. Covered employers must also provide wildfire smoke training to employees, develop and implement a two-way communication system for communicating wildfire smoke hazards, and permit employees who display symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure to seek medical attention or follow medical advice they have been given, without retaliation.
Additional workplace protections are required as PM2.5 levels increase above certain levels. The Washington Department of Labor and Industries has published a helpful chart to help employers understand what specific actions are required depending on the level of smoke exposure. You can find the chart here.
More information about these rules and wildfire smoke safety and health resources can be found on the Department’s Wildfire Smoke page.
If you have any questions about Washington’s wildfire smoke exposure rules, please do not hesitate to contact Emily at (971) 867-2725 or .
Posted by Emily Anderson.
