Can Your Boss Make You Work Without A/C in New York State?

As the hottest part of summer arrives in New York State, many workers may find themselves feeling uncomfortable at the office this week. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid- to upper 80s across much of the state, and high humidity will make it feel even hotter.

While many people are looking forward to celebrating America’s 250th birthday and the Independence Day holiday outdoors, it’s also important to stay safe during periods of extreme heat. Whether you’re attending a parade, hosting a backyard barbecue, watching fireworks, or traveling for the holiday, taking precautions against heat-related illness is essential.

Does New York State Have a Maximum Workplace Temperature?

While staying cool outdoors can be a challenge, what about indoors? If your office doesn’t have air conditioning or the cooling system isn’t keeping up, you may be wondering whether New York State has laws that regulate how hot your workplace can get.

New York State Requires Minimum Temperatures—But Not Maximum Ones

During the colder months, generally between September and May, New York State has minimum workplace temperature requirements to help ensure employees have a safe and comfortable environment.

However, when it comes to the summer months, New York State does not have a law that sets a maximum indoor temperature for most workplaces. That means there is currently no statewide requirement that an office must stay below a certain temperature, even during a heat wave.

What Can Employees Do If the Office Is Too Hot?

Although there isn’t a specific maximum temperature law, employers are still responsible for providing a safe workplace. If excessive heat creates unsafe working conditions, employees should report their concerns to a supervisor or their human resources department.

If the issue isn’t addressed, workers may also contact workplace safety officials or file a complaint with OSHA if they believe the heat poses a health or safety risk.

Stay Safe During the Holiday Week

It’s shaping up to be a fun week across New York State as communities celebrate America’s 250th birthday with parades, festivals, concerts, and fireworks displays.

If you’ll be spending time outdoors, remember to drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning when possible, and watch for signs of heat-related illness. A little preparation can help you safely enjoy everything the holiday week has to offer.