News Summary
Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced the Extreme Heat Equipment Credit program to help small businesses protect employees from heat-related illnesses. Eligible businesses with up to 10 employees can receive up to $1,000 or 10% of their workers’ compensation premium to purchase safety equipment like cooling vests and ventilation systems. This initiative addresses the growing risks posed by extreme heat due to climate change, aiming to enhance workplace safety for vulnerable workers.
Albany, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the launch of the new Extreme Heat Equipment Credit program through the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) on Monday, July 14th, 2025. This initiative aims to assist qualifying small businesses in protecting their employees from the severe effects of extreme heat, which have become increasingly common in recent years.
Under this program, eligible small businesses can receive a one-time credit of up to $1,000 or 10% of their annual workers’ compensation premium, whichever amount is lower. This financial incentive is designed to help business owners afford necessary equipment to ensure their workers’ safety during extreme heat events.
The Extreme Heat Equipment Credit is specifically available to small businesses employing up to 10 employees and operating in various high-risk industries, including manufacturing, warehousing, carpentry, landscaping, and farming. Qualified businesses can purchase a range of protective items, such as:
- Fans
- Ventilation systems
- Cooling vests
- Ventilated hard hats
- UV-resistant safety glasses
- Cooling towels
Governor Hochul has stressed the importance of this program, citing the rise of extreme weather events as a pressing safety concern for workers exposed to potential heat-related illnesses. In the previous year, 2024, was recorded as the hottest year on record, with the years from 2015 to 2024 ranking among the 10 hottest years documented. The increased temperatures pose significant occupational hazards, which can lead to conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and aggravation of preexisting health issues like asthma, kidney disease, and heart disease.
Research indicates that extreme heat conditions can impair cognitive and motor functions, escalating the risk of workplace accidents. The need for adequate protective measures has never been more critical, as employers are urged to provide essential safety gear to their employees. Gaurav Vasisht, Executive Director and CEO of NYSIF, emphasized the importance of investing in safety equipment as extreme heat becomes a more frequent occurrence.
Businesses interested in applying for the NYSIF Extreme Heat Equipment Credit can do so by visiting the NYSIF website at nysif.com/ppe. The initiative has garnered support from various state officials and organizations, including the New York State Department of Labor and the Business Council of New York State, signaling a unified effort to prioritize worker safety amid increasing temperatures.
As climate change continues to lead to higher temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, the importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated. With heat-related illnesses representing a growing concern, the implementation of the Extreme Heat Equipment Credit is a proactive step toward safeguarding the health and wellbeing of workers across New York State.
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Additional Resources
- WBNF: Small Business Heat Safety
- Wikipedia: Heat Safety
- Post Star: Local News Article
- Google Search: Extreme Heat Worker Safety
- Flack Broadcasting: Governor Hochul Launches Program
- Google Scholar: Heat Related Illnesses
- WHEC: NY State Offering Credit for Heat Safety Gear
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat Related Illnesses
- WRFALP: State Program Launched
- Google News: Extreme Heat Worker Safety
