WorkSafeBC reminds employers to protect workers from wildfire smoke
With wildfire activity increasing in B.C., WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to take steps to protect workers from the health risks associated with wildfire smoke.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious health effects — particularly for workers with underlying medical conditions or those doing physically demanding work outdoors.
“Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to both short- and long-term health impacts,” says Todd McDonald, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC. “Employers need to assess the risks associated with wildfire activity, implement effective controls, and involve workers every step of the way.”
Conducting a risk assessment
Employers must assess the risk of wildfire smoke exposure in their workplaces and take steps to minimize harm. When conducting a risk assessment, consider:
- The worksite’s location and local weather conditions.
- The types of tasks workers are expected to perform.
- Emergency preparedness and response plans, including site-evacuation procedures.
- Input from workers on wildfire smoke risks and changing conditions.
Wildfire smoke can travel far beyond the fire zone. Employers should review the risk assessment each day before work begins — and again throughout the day — as air quality conditions may change rapidly, requiring adjustments to the plan.
Control measures for outdoor workers
Depending on the severity of smoke and the nature of the work, employers should consider:
- Monitoring local air quality advisories and alerts.
- Relocating or rescheduling work to avoid peak smoke conditions.
- Reducing physically demanding tasks when air quality is poor.
- Assigning alternate work to those more sensitive to smoke exposure.
- Providing appropriate respiratory protection, such as N95 respirators, where needed — ensuring they meet standards and are properly fit-tested.
Control measures for indoor workers
Employers should also take steps to reduce smoke exposure indoors, such as:
- Inspecting HVAC systems to ensure they are functioning properly and using clean filters.
- Temporarily reducing outdoor air intake (in consultation with a qualified HVAC technician or ventilation engineer).
- Using portable air cleaners with high-efficiency filters in smaller indoor spaces.
- Advising workers who drive as part of their job to keep vehicle windows closed and use the “recirculate” setting on air conditioning systems.
Resources
- Media Backgrounder: Wildfire season in B.C.: Worker safety and employer responsibilities
- Frequently Asked Questions: Wildfire smoke
- Emergency evacuation planning for your workplace
- Emergency Response Planning: 12 Tips for an Effective Response Plan
About WorkSafeBC
WorkSafeBC engages workers and employers to prevent injury, disease, and disability in B.C. When work-related injuries or diseases occur, WorkSafeBC provides compensation and support to people in their recovery, rehabilitation, and safe return to work. We serve 2.7 million workers and 285,000 employers across B.C.
For more information, contact:
Media Relations, WorkSafeBC
Email: media@worksafebc.com
Tel: 604.276.5157