A virtual Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hearing begins today (November 12) to discuss the proposed Emergency Response Standard (ERS).
This proposal is poised to modernize firefighting safety standards for the first time in four decades.
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President Edward A. Kelly, among others, is expected to present before OSHA, marking a significant union-led push for updated guidelines.
Testimonies from over 500 witnesses, including other union officials, will address varied aspects of emergency response, such as staffing, training, equipment readiness, and behavioral health support for firefighters.
The ERS proposal outlines necessary changes across emergency response procedures aimed at improving both firefighter and public safety.
If approved, the standard will require a comprehensive approach, including mandating employer-provided medical screenings for emergency responders and accessible behavioral health resources.
This measure, if adopted, would replace the longstanding Fire Brigade Standard, which has remained largely unchanged since the 1980s.
The ERS proposal advocates for updated requirements for emergency responder readiness, such as apparatus and protective clothing standards.
Additionally, the ERS seeks to establish mandatory behavioral health support and medical screenings, a move the IAFF asserts will safeguard firefighters from occupational health risks.
General President Kelly remarked: “The proposed Emergency Response Standard is the first meaningful reform to fire fighter safety standards in decades.
“Not only would it help keep fire fighters safe on the job, but it would also improve public safety in the communities we serve.”
As reported, OSHA plans to broadcast the hearings, which will run through November 15, with a schedule available on their website.
For years, the IAFF has been a key advocate for improved emergency response protocols.
The ERS proposal includes a revision of staffing policies to prevent overextension and physical strain on responders, alongside new training protocols designed to equip firefighters with resources for both physical and psychological health.
The IAFF leadership underscores that updating these standards aligns with a broader objective to modernize workplace safety practices for the evolving demands faced by emergency responders.
The IAFF noted that its members will be able to watch the OSHA hearings via OSHA’s website, though participation as witnesses is not available for observers.
Additional hearing dates are scheduled as OSHA reviews testimony to inform the final ERS policy.
The ERS adoption would set a nationwide benchmark for emergency responder safety standards.
The proposal mandates baseline medical screenings and behavioral health access, acknowledging the diverse health risks firefighters face in their roles.
The IAFF emphasized that ERS would advance safety not only for the firefighters but also for the communities they serve by enhancing emergency response preparedness.
The proposed ERS is part of OSHA’s ongoing efforts to address the safety standards for high-risk occupations.
The IAFF encourages members and the public to follow the hearings and the development of these updated standards, which have potential implications for departments across the United States.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) leaders, including General President Edward A. Kelly, will testify at an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hearing on the proposed Emergency Response Standard (ERS) beginning November 12.
The ERS proposes updated safety measures for U.S. firefighters, including requirements for medical screenings, behavioral health resources, and modernized equipment standards.
The IAFF, a major advocate for these updates, argues that adopting the ERS will improve both firefighter and public safety by setting comprehensive guidelines for emergency response.
The hearing, which includes testimonies from over 500 witnesses, is accessible online through OSHA’s website.
