Officials urge OSHA to review firefighter safety standards
MARCY, N.Y. – State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, Assemblyman Brian Miller, R-C-New Hartford, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-C-Marcy, and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, R-C-Black River joined local firefighters, emergency medical technicians, first responders and area elected officials in Marcy.
Their goal was to urge the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration to revisit proposed changes to the Fire Brigade Emergency Response Standard that they believe will cause stress many volunteer, combination and career fire departments.
OSHA has proposed updating and expanding existing regulations for the safety and health of firefighters and other first responders, including emergency medical service providers and technical search and rescue workers.
However, organizations such as the Firefighters Association of the State of New York and firefighters across the state and nation have expressed concerns that this change will impose significant additional administrative and operational requirements on volunteer fire departments and make it more difficult for them to recruit and retain members and provide essential fire protection.
"I appreciate OSHA's efforts to protect the health, safety and well-being of firefighters and first responders," Griffo said. "However, I believe that this change will create new challenges or exacerbate existing ones for fire departments that are already struggling and will weaken fire protection in New York and across the nation. While I recognize that the safety of first responders is paramount, I am hopeful that OSHA will reconsider its proposal."
OSHA has scheduled a public rulemaking hearing for Nov. 12. Instructions for how to participate in the hearing are available on the Emergency Response rulemaking webpage, www.osha.gov/emergency-response/rulemaking.
Once the rulemaking record is complete, OSHA has indicated that the agency will review all the information received and determine the appropriate approach to take with respect to volunteer organizations.
"While I understand the importance of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our fire departments, I share the concerns raised by Sen. Griffo and firefighters across the state regarding the proposed changes to the Fire Brigade Emergency Response Standard," Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said.
"These changes could place significant additional burdens on volunteer and combination departments, which already face challenges in recruitment and retention," he continued. "I urge OSHA to carefully consider the potential impact on these vital services and work toward a solution that balances safety with the practical realities of our fire departments."
Griffo has introduced a bill – called the "Public Safety Protection Act" – that would provide police and fire departments with access to $300 million in grant funding to help with recruitment and retention efforts and purchasing equipment.
The funding would be available over a three-year period. Police and fire departments would be eligible to apply for $100 million each year. The $50 million would be split equally between law enforcement and firefighting agencies.
A companion bill has been introduced by Assemblyman Billy Jones, D-Chateaugay Lake.
