Bulletin
Wildfire Smoke
August 12, 2021
To: All MoveUP Members
Our thoughts are with the people affected by the wildfires burning across the province right now. The wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health. We recommend visiting BC’s Centre for Disease Control http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke for more information.
If you work indoors, you can ask your employer and/or local OH&S Committee to purchase portable air cleaner(s) to remove smoke from indoor air. Although not guaranteed, it is definitely worth it to ask.
There are ventilation requirements in workplaces that include HVAC systems. HVAC systems may reduce the level of wildfire smoke indoors.
If there are issues with the HVAC system at your work, please report the problem to your manager and local OH&S Committee so it can be dealt with effectively.
You can ask the employer to do the following to reduce exposure to smoke indoors:
- Inspect the HVAC system to make sure it is working properly;
- Check the HVAC system’s air filters and change, as needed;
- Temporarily reduce the intake of outdoor air (contact facility management and/or HVAC technician to assist); and
- Use portable air cleaners
Staying indoors is highly recommended. For more information, see the WCB’s Wildfire Smoke: Frequently Asked Questions https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/information-sheets/wildfire-smoke-frequently-asked-questions-faq?lang=en
If you have any family or friends in the wildfire regions, please ask them to take precautions and stay safe.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact Niki Schnurr, WCB Appeals & OH&S Representative at nschnurr@moveuptogether.ca.
In Solidarity,
Niki Schnurr, MoveUP WCB Appeals & OH&S Representative
Anny Chen, MoveUP Union Representative
