Hazard alert – wildfire smoke and air quality

With wildfires burning across Manitoba, workers are at risk of being exposed to smoke and the health risks that come with it. Even if you’re not close to the flames, wildfire smoke can travel long distances and still affect your breathing and overall health.

What industries are at risk?

• Emergency services
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Landscaping
• Mining
• Transportation
• Delivery services

What workers should know

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles and harmful gases that can irritate your lungs and make it harder to breathe. People with asthma, heart conditions, respiratory issues and pregnant women are especially vulnerable, but anyone can be affected. Symptoms from smoke exposure include:

• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Coughing or throat irritation
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Headaches or dizziness
• Fatigue or chest pain
• Worsening of heart or lung conditions
• Heat stress and heat stroke

If you’re having a medical emergency, call 911. If you’re not sure what to do or have questions about your symptoms, call Health Links call 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).

Prevention measures

Monitor air quality and weather alerts

Check Manitoba’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and local weather alerts daily so you know the risks before starting work.

• AQHI 1 to 3: Low risk
• AQHI 4 to 6: Moderate risk — limit strenuous work if symptoms show.
• AQHI 7 to 10: High risk — reduce or reschedule outdoor work.
• AQHI 10+: Very high risk — avoid strenuous work and move indoors if possible.

Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Use N95 masks or respirators to filter out smoke particles.
• Make sure the mask fits securely — facial hair can reduce protection.

Modify work practices

• Limit time outside when possible. 
• Rotate outdoor tasks to reduce exposure time.
• Take breaks in clean, filtered air spaces.
• Delay non-essential outdoor jobs.

Stay hydrated

• Drink water regularly.
• Avoid energy or caffeinated drinks.

Be prepared for emergencies

• Be ready to evacuate quickly if needed.
• Make sure everyone knows the emergency procedure and muster points.
• Follow instructions from your supervisor or emergency services.

Tell your supervisor

• If you experience any symptoms, let your supervisor know right away.

Employer responsibilities

Under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, employers have a general duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is safe and without risk to health of workers so far as is reasonably practicable. Employers would be expected to review the working conditions and the tasks being done, then implement appropriate measures based on their specific circumstances in dialogue with workers.

Here are key steps to help reduce the risks:

• Monitor air quality and adjust work plans as needed.
• Ensure ventilation and air filters are working properly.
• Set up procedures to monitor smoke levels and respond to emergencies, including evacuations.
• Develop and implement safe work procedures relevant to smoke exposure and poor air quality.
• Provide and enforce proper use of PPE.
• Investigate work-related health issues or incidents linked to smoke exposure.
• Check in regularly with workers, and if a worker shows serious symptoms, get medical help right away.

If you have questions about this topic, contact the SAFE Work Manitoba division.