NEW WINDSOR – In the wake of last November’s Verla International fire and explosions in New Windsor, US Senator Charles Schumer announced that he wants OSHA to implement a system to notify local governments and first responders of companies that have been cited for hazardous materials violations by the federal agency.
The Occupational, Safety and Health Administration early last year cited Verla for a dozen violations.
The senator, in New Windsor on Friday, said he recently learned that OSHA does not make those notifications.
“Today I am here calling on federal OSHA – our safety and hazard administration – to set up a system where they notify our local firefighters and emergency responders of violations involving combustible, flammable, dangerous materials, plain and simple. It doesn’t cost much and it saves lives,” he said.
Schumer said he received a commitment from OSHA administrator-nominee Scott Mugno to consider the proposal assuming he will be confirmed for the post.
The senator’s plan won immediate support on Friday from top Orange County and local officials.
One worker was killed in the Verla fire and eight Newburgh City firefighters were injured when they entered the building under mutual aid and were met by an explosion.
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