State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera today announced a series of 12 seminars for municipal and fire department leaders to help ensure compliance with the law and avoid workplace safety and health violations.

“This outreach effort comes down to one thing: protecting the health and safety of workers and the public,” said Commissioner Rivera. “These programs will help municipalities understand what is required of them under the law and outline the road to compliance to best protect their workers. I highly recommend that all municipalities and fire departments across the state send representatives to one of these meetings to help keep our workplaces safe.”

The Department of Labor’s Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau (PESH) enforces occupational safety and health regulations for public workers in New York State. These two-hour seminars will review inspection procedures used by the Bureau and ways to help departments comply with state and federal laws.

The presentations will consist of:

• PESH 101 – How municipalities are selected for inspections, who is included on an inspection, what happens if violations are found and how much time is allowed for correcting hazards.
• Top Ten Most Commonly Cited Standards – The most commonly cited standards and information on how to do a self assessment. Will also highlight sample programs to help ensure compliance.
• Workplace Violence Prevention Programs – Review of what the regulation requires as well as sample programs, policies and notification forms to help public employers come into compliance.
• Emergency Escape Systems – What is required for an emergency escape device for firefighters who may become trapped at elevations. Will include available assistance on completing a Community Risk Assessment.

“We are pleased to work with Governor Cuomo and the Department of Labor to provide information and education that will assist fire departments to be in compliance with health and safety regulations,” said NY State Association of Fire Chiefs Executive Director & CEO Jerry DeLuca. “The safety of firefighters is the most important concern of every fire chief. These seminars will support the fire service in maintaining a high level of safety and compliance.”

A complete schedule of events is below. To register for any of these events, please call the PESH office at (518) 457-1263.