By Hao Nguyen, Esq.
Senior Product and Regulatory Counsel
Though the Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes Fires have swept the nation’s attention, as of this writing, there are 255 wildfires throughout California in various states of containment burning over 50,000 acres of land across at least four counties (Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, and San Diego). The word “insane” would be an understatement.
Our hearts go out to those who are directly impacted by these devastating fires. It seems like there is a never-ending stream of stories about leveled homes, lost heirlooms, displaced families, and even missing pets. However, we must not lose sight of how these wildfires impact those in the surrounding areas through the smoke and ash that permeates the air. It is with this thought that California’s Department of Industrial Relations published two advisors in the month of January, one on the 9th and one on the 22nd, to remind employers of their responsibilities to keep their workers safe in these trying times. Specifically, employers are reminded of how these wildfires impact the air quality in various counties and Cal/OSHA’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke Standard which requires employers to protect workers from unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke.
One of the requirements of Cal/OSHA’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke Standard is the employer’s responsibility to provide effective training to workers regarding, among other things, the health effects of wildfire smoke, the right to obtain medical treatment, the Air Quality Index, and methods the employer is taking to protect employees from wildfire smoke.
Complimentary Wildfire Training
To ensure worker safety of those dealerships affected by wildfire smoke, ComplyAuto has made its wildfire training free to all dealers in California (this includes you too, NorCal). You have probably seen this on ComplyAuto’s LinkedIn handle or my own. If you have not, please follow us for the most timely updates and breaking news as it relates to your industry.
We have unlocked this training course since the start of the first wildfires in the Palisades and Eaton and it will remain open for the time being. Click here to access the complimentary training.