Volunteer rescue squads and state-plan OSHA coverage

June 11, 1996
The Honorable Charles E. Grassley
United States Senate
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Senator Grassley:
Thank you for your letter of April 9, on behalf of your constituent [Name Withheld], who is concerned with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for voluntary rescue and ambulance squads.
Rescue and ambulance squads are generally public employees (employees of a state, county or city). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not cover public sector employees, paid or otherwise. However, public employees are required to be covered in States that have an OSHA approved State plan. Whether volunteer rescue and ambulance squads would be covered would depend upon State law and policy. Since Iowa has an approved State plan, volunteers may be covered by the Iowa Division of Labor Services. You may wish to write to this agency for a determination.
Byron K. Orton, Commissioner
Iowa Division of Labor Services
1000 E. Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Telephone: (515) 281-3606
[Name Withheld] concerns regarding "waste water" should be addressed to the local office regulating this environmental matter. OSHA's jurisdiction is restricted to workplace health and safety.
We appreciate the opportunity to clarify this matter for you. Should you have additional concerns, please feel free to contact [the Office of Health Enforcement at (202) 693-2190].
Sincerely,
Joseph A. Dear
Assistant Secretary

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]

[Corrected 12/6/2024]