DIX HILLS, NY — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed big changes for fire departments, and firefighters on Long Island are furious.
Volunteer firefighters warn the proposed changes will impact safety and local taxes.
Long Island residents are proud of their 180 volunteer fire departments, which save taxpayers billions, but those who give their time and risk their lives are sounding the alarm. They call OSHA’s new safety document a uniform guideline that does not apply to all departments.
“They’ve painted every fire department in the United States with one broad brush, OK, without talking to everyone,” said Donald Corkery, president of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York.
New York volunteer firefighters say the new requirements, such as doubling basic training from 150 to 300 hours, will turn away new recruits.
“This isn’t necessary. It’s a solution in search of a problem,” said Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth.
“We’re doing our best to keep recruitment going, and this has come as a bombshell,” Corkery said.
The proposed changes will also increase the required class sizes for chefs; some courses are not even offered in New York. It also shortens the lifespan of fire trucks.
“If OSHA moves forward with these regulations, communities will have to make some tough decisions. Should they close the doors of a volunteer fire department? Increase taxes?” said Eugene Perry of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York.
Firefighters say they don’t feel heard and are asking members of Congress to intervene and exempt volunteer fire departments.
OSHA defends changes as necessary updates to “outdated and incomplete” standards
OSHA says the first changes in more than 40 years are needed because current standards are “outdated and incomplete” and “do not address the full range of hazards faced by first responders” needed to ensure first responders “receive the protection that they deserve’.
In a statement, an OSHA spokesperson said:
“OSHA has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking with the goal of improving safety for all first responders who so courageously serve their communities. OSHA’s intent in proposing this rule is to better protect first responders from respiratory diseases, cancer, and other hazards that have plagued this group of heroic workers who have caused tragedy for them and their families. It is not the intent of OSHA to finalize a rule that undermines the public safety of any community.
“We took steps during the rulemaking process to consider the economic impact on fire departments across the country. OSHA developed this proposal using input on regulatory language from an advisory committee that includes the National Volunteer Fire Council and the International Association of Fire. Chiefs, the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association.
“OSHA continues to field questions from stakeholders about the proposal and its impact on emergency response organizations and first responders. We have extended the public comment period until July 22 and a multi-day public hearing is being planned with virtual participation options to allow for more people. stakeholders from across the country to provide input.
“Federal OSHA regulations will in no way alter individual state discretion regarding volunteer coverage. Our intent is to use the information we collect in our rulemaking not only to improve our own standards, but also to help better inform states as they each decide how to address the question of whether and/or how to make voluntary emergency responders will be covered.
Information is also available from Page on emergency response regulations.”
