Firefighters urge caution about proposed OSHA changes and warn about impact on volunteer agencies

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WGME) — Firefighters were able to speak directly with federal regulators Tuesday about a proposed rule change that some believe could have significant impacts on departments in Maine and across the country.

This is recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).Emergency Response Standard“

The agency plans to substantially update the rules, which were first written in 1980 and which they believe fail to address modern occupational hazards.

“The newly named ‘Emergency Response’ standard updates safety and health protections, in line with national consensus standards, for a broad range of workers exposed to hazards during and after fires and other emergencies,” the agency said in an earlier press release. he said.

OSHA received more than 4,000 individual written comments on the proposal from fire and rescue agencies, first responders, members of Congress, business owners and the public.

This is a problem CBS13 I-Team We have been investigating the issue for months after hearing from local volunteer fire departments that they were concerned the proposed changes could force them to close.

The proposal covers hundreds of pages and includes 22 significant changes for firefighters. These range from new training requirements and health assessments to how participation gear and other equipment should be used.

The main concern for agencies in Maine, especially small or volunteer agencies, is how much money they will have to spend to achieve compliance if the proposal moves forward.

That was something echoed by national fire leaders at Tuesday’s public hearing.

“Smaller volunteer departments will be severely impacted,” said Matthew Tobia. International Association of Fire Chiefs in question. “They expect an increase of up to 46% in their annual budget and up to 10 years to achieve full compliance with the proposed standard. In light of the costs and challenges associated with implementing the Emergency Response Standard, the IAFC recommends extending the implementation timeline by up to 10 years.”

Maine fire departments said in their testimony to OSHA that they support any steps to better protect firefighters but want the proposed changes to be phased in over a longer period of time.

“It’s been 44 years since they changed this, and I hope they give us 10 to 20 years to implement the changes.” Maine Fire Chiefs Association Executive Director Bill St. Michael told the I-Team over the summer. “I hope they really listen and then slow the process down.”

Virtual public hearings on the proposal will continue through early December. Maine firefighters scheduled to testify next Monday.

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