The California Apartment Association has issued an “Industry Insight” paper about a newly enacted emergency regulation to protect employees from wildfire smoke.

The regulation took effect this week and will require many employers in California, including those in the rental housing industry, to change the way they monitor wildfire smoke and the precautions they take to protect employees. 

The regulation was approved by the Office of Administrative Law on July 29 in preparation for the state’s wildfire season. It is expected to remain in effect for at least one year.

The regulation requires employers who anticipate that employees may be exposed to wildfire smoke to take certain protective measures if the air quality index for particulate matter exceeds a certain level. If employers cannot reduce employee exposure to wildfire smoke, the employer must take other actions including providing employees with respirators.

CAA members may access the Industry Insight linked below for more information.