California: Cal/OSHA Guidance on Fire Cleanup

Applies to: All Employers with Employees in CA

Effective: January 17, 2025

Quick Look

• Employers, including those with household domestic service workers, must follow health and safety requirements for employees engaging in fire cleanup activities.

DISCUSSION

In response to the Los Angeles wildfire tragedies last month, Cal/OSHA issued guidelines for “Worker Safety and Health During Fire Cleanup.” The guidelines are applicable across the state in response to any fire, whether it involves a single structure or a large-scale wildfire. The guidelines are based on existing laws and regulations for worker safety and highlight a number of requirements for employers to:

• Identify and evaluate potential safety, health, and confinement hazards.
• Correct any unsafe or unhealthful conditions.
• Provide training and instruction to employees on the hazards and safety measures needed before they begin fire remediation work.
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for the circumstances (e.g., masks, gloves, eye protection, etc.).
• Provide appropriate safety equipment, like providing fire extinguishers at every cleanup site.
• Follow heat illness prevention regulations.

Significantly, Cal/OSHA said that its regulations apply to household domestic service workers when performing other types of work, such as fire clean up and reconstruction work. Further, the guidance reminded employers that it is unlawful to direct an employee to enter or remain in an area subject to a mandatory evacuation. Employees also have the right to leave or refuse to report to work in a disaster area if they believe it is unsafe to remain. This does not apply to first responders or certain other emergency services workers.

Cal/OSHA offers extensive information about worker health and safety during fire cleanup including a wildfire cleanup training tool. Cal/OSHA also offers extensive information on worker safety and health in wildfire regions. Employers should review the guidelines to ensure compliance with applicable safety standards.

ACTION ITEMS

1. Review the guidelines here.
2. Identify, evaluate, and correct worksite hazards.
3. Provide appropriate PPE and safety equipment.
4. Train employees on the hazards and safety procedures needed to perform work in fire cleanup areas.
5. Have appropriate personnel trained on all safety requirements.

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