October 2024

New in November: Extreme Weather Guidance for Careers in the Outdoors

Extreme precipitation events and wildfire smoke are hazards that employers must consider when making plans to protect outdoor workers. As extreme precipitation events and wildfire smoke have become more common in New York State, the NYSDOL strongly encourages all businesses to follow these extreme weather safety tips to protect all workers: Rest and Relief – This includes work/rest schedules and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Training – Educate workers so they can identify signs and symptoms of weather-related illnesses and work safely during extreme weather events. Planning and Preparedness – Build in time for workers to acclimate to extreme temperatures, write illness prevention plans, and outline emergency response procedures. In addition to these core strategies, regardless of temperature or weather conditions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that employers provide each outdoor employee 32 ounces of drinking water per hour.  Our top priority is to keep all workers safe and protected. Please visit our Extreme Weather Guidance page for more detailed information on how you can ensure the well-being of your employees.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

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In honor of National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month in New York State, the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is encouraging NYS employers to sign the Employability Pledge. Employers who take the pledge show their commitment to embracing a philosophy of inclusivity, their support for the employment of qualified people with disabilities, and their promise to create a work environment that meets the accessibility needs of their staff and customers.  Businesses who sign the pledge will appear on the Employability Honor Roll on the OPWDD website and will also receive a digital badge that they can post on their own website. Taking the pledge is a great way to demonstrate to your customers and community that your business is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.  The employment rate among working age people with disabilities is less than half of what it is for people without disabilities. This month, let’s celebrate inclusivity and highlight the uniquely talented disabled individuals who deserve a chance to thrive in today’s workforce.  For more information about all the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, please visit OPWDD’s EmployAbility toolkit.

Consider Sponsoring a Registered Apprenticeship this Apprenticeship Month

November is Apprenticeship Month, a month-long celebration of all the amazing Registered Apprenticeships available across New York State. With a network of over 900 apprenticeship programs and more than 17,000 registered apprentices, New York State remains a leader in providing workers with alternative pathways to new careers. Employers who integrate apprenticeships into their workforce can cultivate talent in-house through structured training plans that ensure apprentices become skilled employees tailored to a company’s specific needs. Some of the advantages of starting an apprenticeship program include: Reduced turnover costs: Apprenticeships lead to higher employee retention, minimizing the expenses associated with turnover and retraining. Enhanced productivity and profitability: Companies report improved productivity and profitability as apprentices contribute to a more skilled workforce Lower liability costs: Comprehensive training can help mitigate risks and reduce liability costs. Tax incentives: The Empire State Apprenticeship Tax Credit (ESATC) provides financial incentives for hiring qualified apprentices, with additional credits for employing disadvantaged youth and those involved in mentoring programs. New registered apprenticeships are added every day across a broad spectrum of programs as more businesses realize the benefits of sponsoring their own programs.  If you would like to learn more about how your business can sponsor a registered apprenticeship program, please visit https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/overview. Also, keep an eye on NYSDOL bulletins and social media accounts in the month ahead for more updates about everything we will be doing in November to celebrate our Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Fill Your Seasonal Hiring Needs with Confidence through the Federal Bonding Program

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The Federal Bonding Program (FBP) is a one-of-a-kind tool that helps job seekers who face one or more barriers to employment, including justice involvement, by offering protection to businesses that may be cautious about hiring employees with these kinds of backgrounds.  These bonds insure – or protect – businesses against losses resulting from employee dishonesty. This gives businesses more confidence in hiring, and it gives justice-involved job seekers a better chance at getting a fresh start.  The FBP can also provide fidelity coverage for an employee that a business would like to promote into a new position, or to an employee to prevent a lay-off.  An employer who wishes to initiate services of the FBP may do so by contacting a Local Bonding Coordinator. There's no paperwork! Once an applicant's start date is set, the bond can be issued instantly.  For more information about the Federal Bonding Program, visit on.ny.gov/federalbonding.

ICYMI: New Information for Employers about Long Covid

The New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) has released an educational pamphlet to assist employers in understanding Long Covid. Long Covid is a multifaceted syndrome that causes new, returning, or ongoing symptoms in people for weeks, months, or years after their initial Covid-19 infection, causing potentially significant limitations on a person’s day-to-day activities.  This new publication will help businesses understand the risks posed by Long Covid to the workforce, how to mitigate those risks, and how to support those affected. The report outlines the most commonly reported symptoms of Long Covid, the number of people affected, and the consequences for the labor force and the economy.  All employers are encouraged to communicate to employees that anyone with Covid-19 may go on to experience Long Covid, and that taking measures to protect themselves against Covid-19 can help avoid the potentially life-altering effects of Long Covid.  Also of note for employers, this pamphlet includes ideas for supporting workers who have or care for someone with Long Covid and explains the importance of filing a workers’ compensation claim when a worker contracts Covid-19 on the job.  Please read the educational pamphlet to learn more about the effects of  Long Covid and what that can mean for your business.