State Rep. Kenneth Blankenbush, District 117 | Official U.S. House headshot
State Rep. Kenneth Blankenbush, District 117 | Official U.S. House headshot
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for creating rules and regulations to ensure worker safety in private and public industries across the United States. While OSHA's efforts aim to protect workers, a newly proposed replacement to the "Fire Brigades Standard" could severely impact emergency services in District 117. This district relies entirely on volunteer fire departments, which may face closure under the new regulation.
The proposed "Emergency Response" standard seeks to create safer environments for emergency service workers by requiring written emergency response plans, hazard vulnerability assessments, training, personal protective equipment, medical screenings, and behavioral health services. However, this policy does not account for the economic limitations of volunteer fire departments in regions like the Mohawk Valley and North Country.
Volunteer fire departments in these small towns lack the financial resources to comply with these new regulations. Implementing such measures would require significant funding that these departments do not have, potentially leading to their closure and leaving communities without essential emergency services.
Critics argue that if enacted, this regulation will reduce community safety rather than enhance it. They urge OSHA to consider the diverse needs of different communities across the U.S. In metropolitan areas like New York City, additional safety measures and training can be fully funded. However, in rural areas such as the North Country and Mohawk Valley, these requirements could leave communities defenseless.
Community members are encouraged to voice their opposition by commenting on the OSHA proposal before July 22.
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