Finger Lakes Today

Senator Helming of New York has called for a moratorium and further review of new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for fire and EMS services in the state. In a letter addressed to Governor Hochul, Senator Helming expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed amendments to the Fire Brigade Standard on New York's fire departments.

The proposed regulations, which encompass updates to personal protective equipment, changes to first responder requirements, and additional training mandates, have raised alarms among fire departments, including volunteer departments. Senator Helming highlighted the extensive nature of these proposed changes, totaling over six hundred pages, and pointed out the potential challenges they pose to already struggling departments.

Acknowledging the importance of ensuring the safety of fire department personnel, Senator Helming emphasized the need to address the concerns raised by many departments and the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY). These organizations fear that the new OSHA requirements could further strain departments that are already grappling with recruitment and retention issues, as well as financial constraints.

In light of these concerns, Senator Helming urged Governor Hochul to implement a moratorium on the new regulations for fire and EMS services. Additionally, Senator Helming proposed the establishment of a Blue-Ribbon Commission to conduct a thorough review of the regulations and provide guidance to fire departments on compliance measures.

The letter concluded with a plea for Governor Hochul's consideration, stating, "Thank you for your consideration."