People who work outside have specific protections under Washington state law related to both extreme heat and wildfire smoke.
Smoke from multiple wildfires has prompted an air quality alert across several counties in western Washington, but people who work outside have specific protections under Washington state law related to both extreme heat and wildfire smoke.
Under Washington's heat rules, employers must take heat-protective actions once temperatures reach 80 degrees for most outdoor work.
Workers must be allowed to take preventative cool-down periods as needed to prevent overheating.
When temperatures reach 90 degrees, employers must provide mandatory 10-minute cool-down breaks every two hours.
For wildfire smoke exposure, a state law that took effect last year requires employers to monitor air quality and implement a written response plan.
The plan must include training employees and providing protective equipment, such as N95 masks, when air quality reaches certain unsafe thresholds. The requirement applies to all workplaces, including agricultural operations.
The air quality alert covers seven counties in western Washington, where officials warn it is unsafe to spend extended periods outdoors in most areas.
Those counties are Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston. The alert is in place until 5 p.m. Thursday.
There is also a heat advisory for most of western Washington from 10 a.m. Wednesday to 10 p.m. Thursday for temperatures from 85 to 95 degrees.
Smoke from several wildfires in the northern part of the state is being carried into the region, combining with very hot temperatures to create unhealthy conditions.
Beth Friedman, lead air quality forecaster and modeler for the Washington State Department of Ecology, said conditions could begin to improve later this week.
"It does look like, at least for western Washington, onshore flow does look to increase on Friday, so that will offer the best chance for some gradual air improvement," Friedman said.
Until then, the Department of Ecology urges people to keep doors and windows closed when possible while maintaining a safe indoor temperature.
Anyone who must go outside is strongly encouraged to wear a well-fitted N95 mask.
Several libraries and recreation centers may also serve as smoke-free, air-conditioned spaces for people seeking relief.
