Emergency response organizations nationwide received encouraging news from Federal OSHA by announcing a significant shift in their rulemaking strategy concerning volunteer organizations. This statement, available in full here, highlighted the agency’s previous misunderstandings regarding volunteer organizations and provided needed explanations for their decisions. 

NSDC encouraged Special Districts to continue sharing your stories starting November 12th at the agency’s public hearing. This virtual hearing requires presenters to request a time slot by filling out an online form with their contact information. SDAO and NSDA will also provide additional information during this public hearing, focusing on the effects to all our members.