NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES NEW GUIDANCE TO PROTECT OUTDOOR WORKERS FROM HEAVY PRECIPITATION AND WILDFIRE SMOKE HAZARDS

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced the release of comprehensive new guidance to help employers better protect outdoor workers during heavy precipitation events and wildfire smoke hazards. This initiative builds on the Department's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of outdoor workers in extreme weather, following the recent release of guidelines to protect workers from extreme heat.

Historically, New York has experienced extreme weather during this time of year, including Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall in late October 2012. These events underscore the importance of preparedness and protecting outdoor workers from hazardous conditions. Recent hurricanes, such as Helene and Milton in the southern United States, further highlight the critical need for worker protections against the devastating effects of extreme weather. As the frequency and intensity of these events increase due to climate change, it is essential for employers to take proactive measures to ensure worker safety.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Protecting workers from the dangers of extreme weather is more important than ever as we face the increasing impacts of climate change. These new guidelines will provide New York businesses with the tools they need to safeguard outdoor workers from dangerous conditions.”

The guidance documents outline specific measures that employers should take before, during, and after extreme weather events to protect outdoor workers. These new resources provide critical information on how to address the hazards posed by both heavy precipitation and wildfire smoke, including recommendations on scheduling work, providing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and developing emergency response plans.

Protecting Workers from Heavy Precipitation

The guidance advises employers to:

• Monitor weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
• Provide waterproof PPE and adjust work schedules as needed.
• Ensure rest breaks in warm, dry areas and maintain safety during and after precipitation events.

Addressing Wildfire Smoke Hazards

For wildfire smoke, employers should:

• Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and take action when levels exceed safe thresholds.
• Provide respirators and adjust work plans based on air quality.
• Train workers on recognizing smoke-related health risks and proper safety protocols.

Both guidance documents also emphasize the importance of training and emergency planning, ensuring that employers and workers are prepared to respond quickly to changing weather conditions.

Continuing Commitment to Worker Safety

NYSDOL encourages all employers to use these new guidance materials in conjunction with the previously released Extreme Heat Guidance to fully protect their outdoor workforce from the spectrum of weather-related hazards. Ensuring worker safety in extreme weather conditions not only reduces the risk of accidents and injuries but also helps businesses avoid increased workers’ compensation claims, insurance costs, and decreases in productivity.

For more information, including access to the guidance documents, please visit NYSDOL’s Extreme Weather Guidance page.