By ABC Wisconsin Safety Team
With the influx of wildfire smoke filling the air, it’s important for contractors and crews to include air quality as a part of the safety plan.
The State of Wisconsin has a toolbox talk for crews on this topic. It is available to download here.Â
Construction workers are especially vulnerable because physically demanding work causes faster, deeper breathing, increasing the amount of harmful particles inhaled throughout the day. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and gases that can irritate the lungs and lead to coughing, wheezing, burning eyes, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Workers with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions are at an even greater risk.
Monitor Air Quality Daily
Before work begins, supervisors should check the Air Quality Index (AQI) at AirNow.gov and continue monitoring conditions throughout the day. AIr quality can change rapidly, and adjusting work plans early wan help protect employees while minimizing disruptions.
Whenever Possible, Reduce Exposure
When air quality declines, the best protection is limiting workers’ exposure. Consider postponing non-essential outdoor work, moving employees indoors when practical, reducing strenuous activities, rotating crews, and providing additional breaks in clean-air environments such as enclosed trailers with filtered air.
Equipment operators should also keep cab windows closed and set air conditioning systems to recirculate cabin air instead of pulling in smoky outside air.
Provide the Right Respiratory Protection
If outdoor work must continue during unhealthy air quality conditions, provide properly fitted NIOSH-approved N95 respirators.
It’s important to remember that cloth masks, bandanas, gaiters, and standard dust masks do not filter the fine particles found in wildfire smoke. When respirator use becomes mandatory, employers must also comply with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, including required training and other program requirements.
Match Your Response to the AQI
As air quality worsens, additional precautions should be taken:
- AQI 0-100 (Good to Moderate): Monitor forecasts and verify respirator supplies.
- AQI 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Identify high-risk employees, move vulnerable workers indoors when possible, and make N95 respirators available.
- AQI 151-300 (Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy): Provide respirators for outdoor workers, reduce high-exertion activities, increase breaks, and use enclosed equipment cabs whenever possible.
- AQI Above 300 (Hazardous): Stop non-essential outdoor work and transition crews indoors if practical.
Make Air Quality Part of Your Safety Program
Wildfire smoke is becoming a more frequent jobsite hazard. A brief toolbox talk each morning can help workers recognize symptoms of smoke exposure, understand current air quality conditions, and know when to report health concerns. Supervisors should also be prepared to stop work if smoke conditions worsen rapidly or adequate protective measures are no longer available.
Adding air quality to your daily safety routine is a simple step that can protect employees, reduce lost productivity, and demonstrate your company’s commitment to keeping every worker safe, no matter what conditions the day brings.
