Proposed OSHA Standard: Join Us for a Day of Action on June 12

June 4, 2024

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is announcing a Day of Action on June 12 for members of the volunteer fire service to learn more about the proposed OSHA Emergency Response Standard and formulate comments on how the standard would impact your department.

The Emergency Response Standard will replace the existing Fire Brigades Standard. While many of the proposed provisions would be helpful and improve health and safety, the standard as currently written would issue numerous new requirements that may be very burdensome, and in many cases impossible, for volunteer fire departments to comply with.

The public comment period is currently open until July 22 thanks to a recent extension. The NVFC wants to make sure that every first responder hears about the proposal and has the opportunity to learn more and submit a comment so that all voices are heard.

On June 12, the NVFC will hold a nationwide Day of Action, encouraging fire and EMS personnel to review the proposed standard, understand the potential impact on their community, and prepare their comments to OSHA. Special virtual events will take place throughout the day to help answer your questions, including:

  • 10-11am ET – Live Q&A  on Facebook with David Denniston, chair of the NVFC’s OSHA Task Force
  • 1-2pm ET – Office Hours on Zoom with Ryan Woodward, NVFC’s chief of legislative and regulatory affairs
  • Virtual comment-writing group throughout the day on the NVFC’s member platform, Volunteer Voices

What you can do to prepare:

  • Visit www.nvfc.org/osha-standard for resources and information.
  • Spread the word about the Day of Action and available resources with your contacts and followers by sharing the NVFC’s social media posts leading up to and on the day of the event.
  • Schedule a June 12 training/meeting night at the department to learn about the standard and write comments.
  • Ensure your local government representatives are aware of the proposed standard and how it would affect your department’s ability to serve the community.
  • Take the NVFC’s 10-minute OSHA Preparedness Assessment survey.

Join us on June 12, and help spread the word. Together, we CAN make a difference!