Reposted from EMR-ISAC

On July 23, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a notice in the Federal Register that it intends to hold a virtual, informal hearing on Nov. 12, 2024, to hear comments and testimony from the public on OSHA’s proposed Emergency Response standard. In February 2024, OSHA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to replace the “Fire Brigades” standard, published in 1980. The newly named “Emergency Response” standard would expand safety and health protections for emergency responders, including firefighters, emergency medical service providers and technical search and rescue workers. It would align these safety and health protections with current national consensus standards for workers exposed to hazards related to fires and other emergencies. The online hearing will allow stakeholders from across the country to participate. OSHA encourages first responders to join the meeting to share their opinions. OSHA held a public comment period that was originally scheduled to end May 6, 2024, but was extended twice in response to public demand. The comment period finally closed on July 22, although OSHA is still accepting public input via the Nov. 12 hearing. All comments submitted during the comment period can now be viewed within the docket associated with the proposed rule.

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