Business Resources & Steps to Consider for Outdoor Workers & Teams Exposed to Wildfire Smoke

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) declared a Code Red Air Quality Action Day throughout the entire Commonwealth. They have determined, with the current weather pattern, the smoke from the wildfires in eastern Canada will continue to affect our area until Friday, June 9^th.  They are also encouraging PA residents to limit their time outdoors and populations that are vulnerable, due to respiratory problems, should avoid outdoor exertion. 

Below are some resources and steps to consider for businesses or employers who may have outdoor workers and teams that would be exposed to the wildfire smoke for possible extended periods of time:

Press Release from Pennsylvania DEP: https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=22301&typeid=1

Information for Outdoor Workers Exposed to Wildfire Smoke: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/firefighting/wffsmoke.html (NIOSH)

Who is at Greatest Risk form Wildfire Smoke and Steps to Reduce Risk: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/wildfires/index.html  (NCEH)

Check local Air Quality Reports and continue to monitor and watch for news and health warnings:

• Air Quality Index: https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Lancaster&state=PA&country=USA
• AirNow fire and smoke map: https://fire.airnow.gov/

Things to consider for your workers:

• Relocate or reschedule work tasks to smoke-free or less smoky areas or times of the day,
• Reduce levels of physical activity when possible, especially strenuous and heavy work,
• Require and encourage workers to take frequent breaks in places that are free from smoke, and
• Limit the worker’s smoke exposure by making accommodations for that worker to perform his/her duties indoors or in a location that reduces exposure to smoke, if possible.

not secure