GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — New proposed federal Occupational Safety and Health Association, OSHA, regulations for fire departments could put undue financial and staffing burdens on small towns.
OSHA is proposing moving from medical exams at hiring, to requiring twice yearly exams as well as weekly inspections of apparatus by certified technicians, among other administrative tasks.
While intended to increase firefighter safety, small, volunteer run departments in rural towns may not have the resources to implement the changes, which could put further strain on small town budgets.