One of the key components of my campaign are Extreme Weather Safety Standards, which focuses on providing enhanced protective measures for employees working in extreme heat or cold. This initiative ensures that Stations employees have access to temperature-regulated facilities, better protective gear, and strict safety protocols for working during extreme weather conditions. The goal is to safeguard the health and well-being of every employee who works in the harsh environments that come with New York City’s weather extremes.

Why Extreme Weather Safety Standards Matter

• Health Risks of Extreme Weather: Working in extreme heat or cold without proper protection poses serious health risks. In extreme heat, employees are at risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses. In extreme cold, frostbite, hypothermia, and cold stress can occur, endangering workers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), both heat and cold-related illnesses can lead to hospitalization or even death if not properly managed.

• Reasonable Exposure Limits: To protect employees, this initiative proposes limiting work to 10 minutes per hour when temperatures exceed a reasonable threshold—such as 90°F for heat and 25°F for cold—and implementing a freeze on work when temperatures reach extreme levels, such as above 100°F or below 15°F. These thresholds are based on recommendations from OSHA and other safety organizations that advocate for reduced exposure to extreme weather to prevent health risks.

  • CTA's and RCA's: For CTA's and RCA's who often work outdoors or in unregulated environments, these guidelines would restrict outdoor work to 10 minutes per hour when temperatures exceed these thresholds, and stop all non-essential work during extreme weather events.

  • Station Agents: Station Agents working in booths would be limited to in-booth duties when these thresholds are reached, preventing prolonged exposure outside of temperature-controlled environments.

• Access to Temperature-Regulated Facilities: Employees must have immediate access to temperature-controlled facilities where they can take breaks and recover from extreme conditions. These spaces are essential for maintaining core body temperature and preventing weather-related illnesses. Facilities should be equipped with heating, cooling, and proper ventilation systems to ensure employee safety during extreme weather.

• Better Protective Gear: Employees working in extreme conditions need access to better protective gear designed for the environment. In extreme heat, this means providing lightweight, breathable clothing and hydration systems. In extreme cold, this includes insulated clothing, gloves, hats, and heated boots. Proper gear can significantly reduce the risk of weather-related illnesses and injuries while ensuring that employees can work safely and comfortably.

The Economic Impact

• Reducing Sick Days and Weather-Related Absenteeism: Extreme weather can lead to health issues that result in increased sick days and absenteeism. By implementing strict weather safety protocols and providing appropriate gear and facilities, we can reduce weather-related illnesses, minimize absences, and keep employees healthy and productive. According to OSHA, investing in proper weather safety measures can lead to significant reductions in workplace injuries and health-related absences.

• Improving Workforce Productivity and Safety: By providing enhanced protective measures and limiting exposure to extreme weather conditions, we can ensure that employees remain focused and productive without risking their health. A study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that extreme weather significantly reduces productivity, especially in outdoor environments. By mitigating these risks, we create a safer, more efficient working environment.

• Reducing Long-Term Healthcare Costs: Weather-related illnesses and injuries often lead to long-term health issues that increase healthcare costs for employees and the employer. By implementing comprehensive weather safety standards, we can prevent serious health issues, reducing the burden on both the healthcare system and employees’ personal finances.

Why This Matters Now

• Climate Change and Increased Weather Extremes: With climate change leading to more frequent and severe weather events, extreme temperatures are becoming more common. New York City has already experienced record-breaking heat waves and harsh winters in recent years, making this issue more urgent than ever. Ensuring our employees are protected from these conditions is critical to their health and safety.

• Creating a Culture of Safety: This initiative is about more than just compliance—it’s about creating a culture of safety in the workplace. Employees should never feel that their health is being compromised for the sake of getting the job done. By establishing strict weather safety protocols, we’re prioritizing the well-being of every worker and ensuring that safety always comes first.

• Enhancing Employee Morale: When employees know their employer is taking steps to protect their health and safety, it boosts morale and job satisfaction. A safe working environment leads to more engaged and motivated employees, which benefits everyone. By showing that we prioritize safety, we build a stronger, more loyal workforce.

It’s about Safety and Well-Being

Extreme Weather Safety Standards are about ensuring that every Stations employee is protected when working in harsh weather conditions. Whether it’s extreme heat or cold, we need clear protocols and access to the right facilities and gear to keep everyone safe. By limiting work during extreme temperatures, providing temperature-regulated facilities, and issuing proper protective gear, we can reduce weather-related health risks and ensure that employees can perform their duties safely.

This initiative reflects our broader commitment to the safety and well-being of every employee. Together, we can push for these enhanced standards and create a safer, healthier working environment for all Stations employees. Let’s make sure that our union is leading the way in protecting workers from the extreme weather conditions that are becoming more frequent. It’s time to prioritize safety—because nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our workforce.