Effective June 15, 2022, and July 1, 2022, there will be two new rules in place in Oregon addressing worker exposure to heat and wildfire smoke. Employers will be required to provide training to employees and outline new protocols to deal with heat and smoke exposure.

June 15, 2022, Oregon OSHA Administrative Order 3-2022 goes into effect addressing employee and labor housing occupant exposure to high ambient temperatures. The scope of this rule is to create a standard whenever an employee performs work activities, whether in indoor or outdoor environments, where the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Access to shade, drinking water, and high heat practice requirements are outlined in detail in the full rule outline below.

July 1, 2022, Oregon OSHA Administrative Order 4-2022 goes into effect addressing worker exposure to unhealthy and hazardous levels of the primary air contaminant of concern in wildfire smoke, fine particulate matter.

The adopted rules apply to all workers in Oregon covered under the Oregon Safe Employment
Act (OSEAct). Order 4-2022 will require employers to perform an exposure assessment; provide information to employers and management staff, create and maintain training and documentation; provide for employer two-way communication with employees; and implement methods of exposure
control.