Much of Michigan is currently experiencing periods of reduced air quality due to wildfire smoke. While construction work often continues during these events, elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can pose health risks to employees working outdoors.
There is no one-size-fits-all decision regarding whether work should continue. Air quality conditions can vary significantly throughout the day and from one location to another. For that reason, MITA encourages every contractor to rely on their competent person to evaluate site conditions, monitor changing air quality, assess the work being performed, and determine what protective measures are appropriate.
When evaluating work activities, consider:
– Current Air Quality Index (AQI) for the specific jobsite.
– The physical demands of the work being performed.
– The duration of employee exposure.
– Whether engineering or administrative controls can reduce exposure, such as modifying work schedules, increasing rest breaks, rotating employees, or postponing non-critical work during periods of poor air quality.
– The availability and proper use of respiratory protection when appropriate and in accordance with applicable MIOSHA requirements.
Special consideration should be given to employees who may be more vulnerable to poor air quality, including those with:
– Asthma
– COPD or other respiratory diseases
– Heart disease
– Other medical conditions that may be aggravated by smoke or airborne particulates
Encourage employees to immediately report symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or difficulty breathing. Employees experiencing these symptoms should be evaluated promptly and removed from exposure when appropriate.
Monitor Air Quality
Before work begins each day, and periodically throughout the day, MITA recommends checking the current Air Quality Index (AQI) for your specific jobsite. Air quality can change rapidly due to changing weather patterns and shifting smoke conditions.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website provides current air quality conditions, forecasts, and health recommendations based on your location. Checking the AQI can help competent persons make informed decisions about work activities and employee protection.
Air Quality Information: Click here
MIOSHA General Duty Clause
Although Michigan does not currently have a specific occupational safety standard addressing wildfire smoke exposure, employers remain responsible under the MIOSHA General Duty Clause (Section 11(a) of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act) to provide employment and a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
When poor air quality is present, employers should be able to demonstrate that they have recognized the hazard, evaluated the risks associated with the work being performed, and implemented reasonable protective measures based on site conditions.
MITA Recommendations
– Monitor local air quality before work begins and throughout the workday.
– Empower competent persons to evaluate conditions and make jobsite-specific decisions regarding outdoor work.
– Discuss expected air quality conditions during daily safety meetings.
– Make reasonable accommodations for employees with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
– Encourage employees to report symptoms immediately without fear of reprisal.
– Modify work activities, increase rest breaks, or postpone strenuous outdoor work when conditions warrant.
– Document decisions and protective measures when air quality is significantly impacted.
Every jobsite is different, and the competent person is in the best position to evaluate conditions and make decisions that protect employees while maintaining productivity.
Follow this link for additional information from EGLE.
If you have any questions, please contact Greg Brooks at
gregbrooks@thinkmita.org
or Matt Moody at
mattmoody@thinkmita.org.
You can also reach them at the office at 517-347-8336.
Stay safe.
