NYC Urges Employers to Protect Workers From Extreme Heat: Will It Be Enough?

NYC Employers Urged to Protect Workers from Scorching Temperatures

With New York City experiencing a particularly sweltering summer, the state Department of Labor has issued new guidance for employers on how to protect workers from extreme heat. The guidance comes after a report by THE CITY revealed that workers are more likely to be injured during hot weather.

The report found that New York City workers were 7% more likely to be injured on the job when the temperature hit 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and 8% more likely at 95 degrees.

The new guidance recommends employers provide workers with adequate hydration, paid rest time, and certain types of clothing and sunscreen. It also suggests measures to train workers and supervisors on heat safety and to create plans to help workers acclimate to hot weather and respond to emergencies.

Will Guidance Be Enough?

However, the guidance is not mandatory, leading to concerns that many employers will not follow it. Advocates argue that voluntary programs are not effective in reducing injuries and illnesses on the job and call for mandatory, enforceable standards for New York's workers.

This isn't the first attempt to address workplace heat safety. Proposed state legislation aimed at requiring employers to provide drinking water, rest breaks, air-conditioning and shaded rest areas for outdoor workers during heat waves was met with opposition from some industries and ultimately failed to pass.

The Department of Labor is also working on other initiatives to protect workers from heat, including inspecting for extreme heat exposure during workplace inspections and enhancing outreach around workplace rights.

Locally, New York City Emergency Management distributed “cool down kits” along with cooling towels to nonprofits to give to outdoor workers, including food delivery workers.

While the guidance is a step in the right direction, concerns remain about its effectiveness in the absence of mandatory standards. The issue highlights the need for ongoing efforts to protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat.