Senator Marklein Responds to OSHA

Sen. Howard Marklein submitted a public comment to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in opposition to its proposed Emergency Response Standard.

The proposed Emergency Response Standard would place additional onerous requirements on local fire departments including increased training hours, annual vehicle operator training, mandatory written plans, and more. Fire departments will have to follow and comply with these provisions regardless of size or location.

OSHA estimates the cost of compliance will be $14,000 per year for small volunteer fire departments.

Sen. Marklein does not have a role in the rule-making process because OSHA is a federal agency. However, the proposed rule is open for public comment through Friday.