PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – Earlier this month, we told you about Vermont firefighter’s concerns over an incoming change to OSHA’s emergency response rule. Now, North Country first responders are voicing their concerns. OSHA has plans to update an emergency response rule that hasn’t been changed since the 1980s.
First responders from across the North Country say those changes could be catastrophic for volunteer fire and EMS services.
One change surrounds fire trucks, and would require departments to upgrade their vehicles every 15 years.
The Deputy Chief for the Town of Plattsburgh’s District 3 Fire Department says that requirement would financially ruin volunteer departments across the nation.
It takes around three to four years to manufacture a fire truck, with costs ranging from $800 thousand to $1.5 million, money rural volunteer departments don’t have.
He says first responders across the nation are asking to be included in the rule’s drafting.
“We are asking OSHA to allow emergency services to have a seat at the table. To allow us to work with them on producing a document and new standards and rules that everyone can work with.” said Deputy Fire Chief, Scott Ewing