Excerpts from BusinessInsurance.com:
A potential new safety standard proposed by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) could have far-reaching consequences for small emergency response organizations, possibly forcing some to close their doors. Among the most controversial aspects of the proposal is a potential ban on installing fire poles in new fire stations, which has sparked strong reactions from firefighters and community leaders.
OSHA has requested input from the National Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health on developing a new emergency responder preparedness program standard. The Emergency Response and Preparedness Subcommittee has been assigned the task of drafting the proposed rule, which aims to improve health and safety conditions for first responders across the country.
The draft outlines several key requirements, including hazard assessments and measures to address risks that could endanger the lives of emergency workers. These steps are meant to ensure that firefighters and other personnel are physically and medically fit to perform their duties safely.
One of the most notable provisions is the requirement for baseline and annual medical evaluations for firefighters and other emergency personnel. These exams would include a detailed medical history, physical examination, and necessary lab tests to identify any conditions that might impair their ability to carry out critical tasks. In 2014, 64 firefighters died while on duty in the U.S., with sudden cardiac arrest accounting for nearly half of those fatalities, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Despite these health-focused goals, the current proposal fails to clarify who will bear the cost of these medical evaluations. For many small departments, this could be a major financial burden, especially when competing with other essential expenses like equipment replacement or training.
Phil Stittleburg, chief of the LaFarge Fire Department in Wisconsin—a volunteer department with an annual budget of around $65,000—expressed concern that the new rules would force difficult choices between funding medical checkups and replacing vital safety gear like helmets at recommended intervals.
The draft also includes a provision that would require all new fire stations to use stairs or slides for rapid access to lower levels, effectively banning the installation of new fire poles two years after the final rule is published. This move is intended to reduce injuries and fatalities linked to improper use of fire poles. For example, in April 2012, a firefighter in Alameda County, California, suffered a leg fracture after falling from a pole due to an incorrect landing position, as reported by OSHA.
“OSHA recognizes that sliding down poles can cause serious injuries, and eliminating them in favor of safer alternatives like stairs or slides could help prevent such incidents,†said Bill Hamilton, a fire protection engineer with OSHA’s Directorate of Standards and Guidance.
However, many firefighters view fire poles as more than just a practical tool—they are a symbol of tradition and camaraderie within firehouses. Some stakeholders worry that the proposal could face strong resistance if it appears to be eroding long-standing customs of the fire service.
“This is a clear regulatory directive that goes against a tradition deeply rooted in the fire service,†said Kenneth Willette, division manager with the National Fire Protection Association. “While there may be some benefits, it could become a point of contention that hinders the overall goal of improving safety.â€
In response to concerns, the subcommittee decided to gather more data on the frequency of injuries and fatalities related to the use of fire poles compared to stairs and slides before finalizing its recommendations. This step reflects a cautious approach to balancing safety needs with the cultural significance of traditional practices in emergency services.
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