Los Angeles wildfires force companies to shift work policies

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — As wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, businesses face pressure to protect their workers while maintaining operations. The crisis has exposed companies prioritizing employee safety and those pushing to continue business as usual.
Varying corporate response
Major tech companies like Snap and law firm Thompson Hine demonstrated swift action by encouraging remote work, while law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe closed their Los Angeles offices entirely.
“To prioritize the safety and well-being of our people, the Los Angeles office is currently operating in business continuity mode. This approach allows us to maintain our operations effectively while ensuring that our team members are safe and supported,” stated John Conkle, Thompson Hine’s Los Angeles partner in charge.
However, some employers have shown less concern for worker safety. At a Rodeo Drive boutique, employees were told “We will not be closing unless the mall instructs us to close,” despite hazardous air quality and nearby store closures.
The workers eventually took matters into their own hands, closing the store early.
Essential workers face heightened risks
The situation has been particularly challenging for delivery workers. Amazon Flex driver Tim Hernandez was assigned a route along the Pacific Coast Highway despite dangerous conditions and road closures.
Another Amazon driver, Alfred Muñoz, received minimal protection despite working in heavy smoke. “It was just kind of business as usual,” Muñoz recalled, describing his grueling 300-package route that left him with physical symptoms the next day.
Despite the challenges, Amazon spokesperson Montana MacLachlan stated that drivers were not expected to complete deliveries in unsafe conditions without impact on their performance ratings.
Jonathan Porter, a meteorologist at AccuWeather, emphasized that companies must go beyond basic safety protocols: “Businesses should be aware of the copious amounts of dangerous smoke that’s wafting into the air and be prepared to provide outdoor workers with quality respirators or move them away from polluted air.”
The crisis highlights a critical need for clear emergency protocols, as noted by David Michaels, former assistant secretary of Labor for OSHA: “It’s incumbent on employers to ensure the safety of their workers. The safety of their employees must take precedence over business concerns.”
As Los Angeles continues to battle these fires, the response from employers serves as a reminder that worker safety should never be compromised for business continuity.