Edwards warns OSHA rule a burden to volunteer fire departments, detrimental to public safety

 U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today spoke on the House floor regarding a proposed rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that would add significant administrative and regulatory burdens on fire departments in North Carolina's 11th District and across the country.

The proposed rule, the “Emergency Response Standard," would especially affect volunteer fire departments that have limited resources with which to serve their communities.

Edwards’ full remarks as prepared for delivery are below, or you may watch online here.

"When emergency strikes, who answers the call? The National Fire Protection Association says volunteers.

"It’s these unpaid brave men and women who save American lives every day, but volunteer departments are struggling to keep up. Recruitment is down, call volume is up, and there’s no money to replace old equipment.

"To add insult to injury, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration is proposing a rule that will effectively obliterate the very departments serving the majority of America - volunteer fire departments.

"The rule would add complex operating and reporting requirements, as well as costly equipment replacement requirements.

"Volunteer departments don’t have the resources to waste on miscellaneous plans and administrative work. They’re too busy saving lives.

"This OSHA rule would be detrimental to American public safety and the volunteer fire model, and I urge the administration to reconsider its proposal."