H.R. 10492: Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act

This bill would create a federal program focused on improving the health and safety of wildland firefighters. It would set up a task force and a broader wellbeing program to reduce firefighters’ exposure to smoke and other toxic substances, improve health monitoring, and address mental health and cancer risks.

Workplace safety rules and oversight

The bill would require OSHA to develop both interim and final health and safety standards specifically for wildland firefighters. These standards would cover areas such as:

• Use of respirators and other protective equipment
• Limits and controls on exposure to smoke and hazardous substances
• Training on safety practices
• Medical monitoring and health surveillance
• Decontamination procedures after fire suppression work

The bill also creates an OSHA firefighter safety office to help oversee these efforts.

Health, wellbeing, and cancer prevention efforts

The legislation would establish a federal task force and wellbeing program to support wildfire responders. These efforts would focus on reducing long-term health risks from smoke and toxic exposure, improving access to medical screening, supporting mental health, and preventing cancer.

It would also include a respirator pilot program to test approaches for better respiratory protection in wildfire conditions.

Claims and compensation changes

The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) would be required to create a specialized unit for firefighters’ claims. That unit would handle claims related to firefighter injuries and illnesses, and it would also produce annual reports on those claims.

Time for hygiene and decontamination

Wildland firefighters would be paid for time spent on hygiene and decontamination activities, recognizing these tasks as part of their work rather than unpaid personal time.

Reporting and review

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) would study how well the program is being implemented and report on its progress.

Relevant Companies

None found