What Washington State Requires Employers To Do During Wildfire Smoke

Outdoor workers in Washington state are now covered by permanent laws designed to protect them from the dangers of wildfire smoke. Washington enacted temporary rules in 2021 and 2022 but the Washington Department of Labor and Industries has made the protections permanent and year round. Washington, Oregon and California are now the only states with permanent, year round rules that will limit exposure for outdoor workers to breathing the tiny particles found in wildfire smoke. The dangers of wildfire smoke exposure has been linked to increased risk asthma, heart failure, reduced lung function or an early death. Other online resources;Washington Smoke Information websiteThe Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.