Massive wildfires in Canada recently covered the northeast United States in a plume of smoke. On June 8, 2023, New York City’s Air Quality Index – the Environmental Protection Agency’s index for measuring and reporting air quality – reached a very hazardous level of 460 AQI. New York City’s level fell just shy of Portland, Oregon’s 465 AQI level during a horrendous 2020 wildfire season. As Oregon’s wildfire season approaches, firefighters are already fighting early blazes and conducting prescribed burns to take a preemptive strike at future wildfires. Employers can also prepare for Oregon’s fast-approaching wildfire season by developing strategies to address many employment and workplace safety laws that will come into play this season.
Managing Absences During Wildfire Season Due to Evacuations and Illness
Managing a workforce during wildfire season is challenging due to increased absences associated with emergency evacuation orders and illness from smoke exposure. Oregon employees covered by the Oregon Sick Time law and the Oregon Family Medical Leave Act have unique leave entitlements during wildfire season. Starting September 3, 2023 – if the Oregon Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund is solvent – employees may be entitled to leave benefits under Paid Leave Oregon.1
Currently, eligible employees are allowed to use protected sick time when a public official determines that the AQI is at a level where continued exposure would “jeopardize the health of the...
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