Wildfire smoke is no longer just a seasonal inconvenience in the Pacific Northwest. For many employers in Oregon and Washington, it is now a regulated workplace safety issue. If your employees work outdoors, travel between jobsites, perform construction work, operate equipment, work in yards or shops with open doors, or spend time in areas affected by wildfire smoke, your company may be required to provide wildfire smoke training before exposure. KARM Safety Solutions provides wildfire smoke training to help employers meet Oregon OSHA and Washington DOSH requirements while keeping crews informed, prepared, and protected. Why Wildfire Smoke Training Matters Wildfire smoke contains fine particles known as PM2.5. These particles are small enough to enter deep into the lungs and may affect the heart, lungs, and overall health. Employees exposed to wildfire smoke may experience: Burning, red, or watery eyes Runny nose or sore throat Coughing Wheezing Shortness of breath Headache Fatigue Chest pain Irregular heartbeat Asthma symptoms Some employees may be at higher risk, including workers with asthma, COPD, heart disease, respiratory illness, diabetes, pregnancy, or other medical conditions. Who Needs Wildfire Smoke Training in Oregon? In Oregon, wildfire smoke training is required for employees, including supervisors and non-supervisory employees, who may be exposed to wildfire smoke when PM2.5 reaches 35.5 µg/m³ or higher . This is commonly associated with wildfire smoke conditions at or above the Oregon OSHA wildfire smoke action level. Oregon employers may need wildfire smoke training for: Construction crews Roofers Landscapers Utility workers Road crews Public works crews Forestry and outdoor workers Equipment operators Delivery and transportation workers Yard, shop, or warehouse employees exposed to outside smoke Supervisors responsible for crews working in smoke conditions Training must be provided before exposure and at least annually. Oregon employers must also be prepared to monitor air quality, communicate changing conditions, provide respirators when required, and implement controls when wildfire smoke reaches covered levels. Who Needs Wildfire Smoke Training in Washington? Washington has a lower training trigger than Oregon. In Washington, wildfire smoke training is required before employees perform work that exposes them to PM2.5 at 20.5 µg/m³ or higher , which corresponds to approximately AQI 72 under Washington’s wildfire smoke rule. Washington employers may need training for many of the same industries, including: Construction Agriculture Landscaping Roofing Road work Public works Utilities Delivery and transportation Outdoor maintenance Equipment operation Yard and shop work affected by smoke Supervisors overseeing employees exposed to wildfire smoke Washington also requires supervisors to receive training before supervising employees exposed at covered wildfire smoke levels. What Does Wildfire Smoke Training Need to Cover? Wildfire smoke training should be practical and specific to the work being performed. Training should cover: Health effects of wildfire smoke Symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure Higher-risk employee groups How air quality is monitored How employees are notified of changing conditions How employees can report symptoms or worsening air quality The employer’s wildfire smoke response plan Engineering and administrative controls When respirators must be provided How to properly wear, use, and maintain filtering facepiece respirators Limitations of respirators When to seek medical attention Employee rights to report symptoms without retaliation Are Indoor Employees Exempt? Not always. Employees working inside may be exempt when they are in enclosed buildings or vehicles with properly maintained filtration and doors, windows, bays, and other openings are kept closed except for brief entry and exit. However, employees may still be covered if they work in: Shops with open bay doors Warehouses with outside air exposure Partially enclosed structures Vehicles without effective cabin filtration Jobsites where employees move between indoor and outdoor areas Employers should not assume employees are exempt just because they are not working fully outdoors. Oregon vs. Washington: Key Difference The biggest difference is the training trigger. StateTraining TriggerOregonPM2.5 at or above 35.5 µg/m³WashingtonPM2.5 at or above 20.5 µg/m³ / AQI 72 Because Washington starts earlier, companies working in both Oregon and Washington should make sure their wildfire smoke program covers both states. What Should Employers Do Before Smoke Season? Before wildfire smoke affects the jobsite, employers should: Train employees and supervisors. Set up an air quality monitoring process. Create a two-way communication system. Identify which employees may be exposed. Plan how work will be adjusted during smoke events. Stock NIOSH-approved respirators. Review emergency response procedures. Document training. Waiting until smoke is already on the jobsite can create compliance issues and put employees at risk. KARM Safety Solutions Can Help KARM Safety Solutions provides wildfire smoke training for Oregon and Washington employers. Our training helps employers understand who needs training, when training is required, what employees need to know, and how to document compliance. We can help with: Oregon OSHA wildfire smoke training Washington DOSH wildfire smoke training Supervisor training Employee awareness training Wildfire smoke policy support Toolbox talks Respirator awareness Safety documentation Wildfire smoke exposure can change quickly. Having trained employees and a clear plan helps protect your crew and keeps your company prepared. Need wildfire smoke training for your crew? Contact KARM Safety Solutions today to schedule training for Oregon or Washington worksites.