This is a reminder to New York employers that the Warehouse Worker Protection Act will be effective on June 1, 2025, and some provisions will be effective on June 19, 2025.

• Timeline
  • June 1, 2025: Employers must have their injury reduction programs in place.
  • June 19, 2025: Initial worksite evaluations must be completed.

New York Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Program Summary

• Covered Employers: The program applies to employers who control the wages, hours, or working conditions of:
  • 100 or more employees at a single warehouse distribution center, or
  • 1,000 or more employees across multiple centers in New York.

• Program Requirements: Employers must establish and implement an injury reduction program to minimize musculoskeletal injuries among workers.
  
  Key components include:
  
  • Worksite Evaluations:
    • Conducted by a qualified ergonomist.
    • Identify risk factors such as rapid pace, forceful exertions, repetitive motions, twisting, bending, and awkward postures.
    • Initial evaluations by June 19, 2025, and reviewed annually.
    • Allow employees to offer recommendations and suggest changes to reduce risks.
      
  • Control of Exposures:
    • Correctly identified risk factors promptly.
    • Provide a schedule for corrections taking longer than 30 days.
    • Minimize exposure using engineering controls (e.g., redesigning workstations) and administrative controls (e.g., job rotation, reduced work pacing).
  • Employee Training:
    • Annual training for employees and supervisors in their preferred language.
    • Cover early detection, risk factors, methods to reduce risks and employee rights.
    • Initial training by February 19, 2025.
  • On-Site Medical Practices:
    • Qualified medical professionals must staff on-site medical offices or first aid stations, effective February 19, 2025.
  • Employee Involvement:
    • Employees must be consulted during the development and implementation of the program.
  • Documentation and Access:
    • Document efforts to eliminate or reduce risk factors.
    • Provide written copies of evaluations to employees upon request within one business day.

For additional information:

• New York to have the Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Program Maybe Soon (VensureHR)
• NY Warehouse Worker Protection Act Resources

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