How HR can help employees impacted by wildfire smoke

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has descended on the US, resulting in dangerous air quality levels in states across the Northeast and Midwest.

Large swaths of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey are in the “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy” range on the Air Quality Index, USA Today reported, while Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin hit “hazardous” levels.

Wildfire smoke can be unhealthy and hazardous when particles are inhaled, causing eye and respiratory irritation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Symptoms may be worse for those in sensitive groups, including the immunocompromised. Government officials have recommended staying indoors as much as possible, and wearing N-95 masks or face coverings when going outside.

Employers with employees who work or are exposed to the conditions outside are required to monitor the Air Quality Index and minimize exposure, Andrew Sommer, employment lawyer at law firm Fisher Phillips, previously told HR Brew.

“Public health authorities are recommending, where there is visible to the eye or there is a smell of smoke, that employees wear respirators—could typically be N95 respirators,” Sommer said.

HR pros should consider what they’re doing to help themselves and their families during these conditions, and do the same for their employees, Tracy Watts, a senior partner and national leader for US health policy at consulting firm Mercer, previously told HR Brew.

“Making sure people are safe and communicating with them…just to understand how you can provide really personalized support for somebody’s individual circumstances is the starting out point,” she said. “But longer term, plan and being aware of risks and helping people, your workers, be prepared for things like this is definitely the call to action.”