With school just around the corner, we wanted to remind you about the Youth Workers Bill of Rights.  The Youth Workers Bill of Rights provides crucial information on minimum wage, discrimination free workplaces, and other essential worker protections.  Businesses across New York are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Youth Workers Bill of Rights, which will be distributed alongside working papers and made available in various formats.  The DOL’s new Youth Worker Information Hub is an educational resource offering detailed information on working hours, minimum wage compliance, and prohibited occupations for those under 18.  This is part of Governor Hochul’s ongoing fight against rising child labor violations.  By adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Youth Workers Bill of Rights, businesses can contribute to creating a safer, more inclusive work environment for young employees.  Be sure you are familiar with these standards as the school year approaches.  Visit the Youth Worker Information Hub for additional information and resources.

According to the National Weather Service, when the heat index is 80 degress or higher, the risk of occupational heat-related illness and injury increases significantly.  With the recent wave of record-setting heat, the DOL strongly encourages businesses to follow these extreme heat safety tips:

• Allow for rest regularly in shaded areas.  
• Encourage workers to drink water frequently, even if they are not thirsty.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that employers provide each outdoor worker with 32 ounces of cool, potable drinking water per hour.
• When the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit, establish shaded areas near work sites for rest and meal periods.
• When the heat index reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, implement standardized rest breaks to keep workers safe.
• Encourage workers to protect themselves from the sun and heat by wearing light clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunscreen.

It is also crucial for both workers and employers to recognize the signs of common heat-related illnesses.  New and returning workers should be aware that they need to build a tolerance to heat, as those who are not acclimated to working in hot conditions are the most vulnerable.  Our top priority is to keep all workers safe and protected.  Please follow these tips to ensure that you stay safe when working in extreme heat.  For more extreme heat guidance, visit the NYSDOH's website.

This is a reminder that all employees are entitled to paid break time to express breast milk in the workplace regardless of the size of their employer or the industry they work in.  Employers are required to tell employees about their rights regarding breast milk expression by providing them the NYSDOL Policy on the Rights of Employes to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace when they start a new job and annually thereafter.  Providing working parents with paid break time to express breast milk reduces absenteeism, improves morale and productivity, and helps with employee retention.  Paid break time creates a positive work culture and benefits both the employees and employers.  For more information, please visit our Breastmilk Expression in the Workplace website.