June 4, 2014
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA schedules stakeholder meeting to consider proposed
standard to protect safety, health of emergency responders

WASHINGTON –The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has scheduled an informal stakeholder meeting to gather information as it considers developing a proposed standard for emergency response and preparedness. The meeting will be held July 30, 2014, in Washington, D.C.

OSHA issued a Request for Information on Sept 11, 2007, that requested comments from the public to evaluate what action, if any, the agency should take to further address emergency response and preparedness. Recent events, including the West, Texas, explosion that killed several emergency responders, and additional information gathered in response to the RFI show that responder health and safety continues to be an area of ongoing concern.

The meeting will convene at 9 a.m., July 30, 2014, at the U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210. If needed, a second session will be held July 31. Those interested in attending can register at http://ersregistration.pec1.net/, by facsimile or mail. See the Federal Register notice for registration details. The registration deadline is July 2, 2014.

The meeting will not include formal presentations but instead will be conducted as a group discussion. OSHA will focus on issues such as scope and approach surrounding emergency response and preparedness.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.