NY regulators announce cold weather safety rules for workers

The New York State Department of Labor on Tuesday announced new guidance for employers to protect outdoor workers during extreme cold weather.

The guidance advises employers to engage in best practices that include limiting outdoor work, providing frequent breaks in warm areas and scheduling outdoor work during the warmest times of the day.

Employers should also ensure access to clean drinking water; have a written plan for handling acclimatization, extreme cold preparedness and emergency response; and train workers and supervisors annually on cold preparedness plans and to recognize the symptoms of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia and frostbite.

The department also said workers should stay hydrated with warm beverages, avoid drinking caffeine and wear proper personal protective equipment, including at least three layers of clothing, gloves or mittens, thick socks, insulated footwear and a hat, hood or hard hat liner.

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