Photo of K. Joy Chin

New York City has taken a significant step toward regulating workplace heat exposure. On June 22, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed an Executive Order (EO) directing city agencies to develop worker heat safety guidance, heat illness prevention plans, and recommendations for stronger construction-site protections.

The EO does not immediately impose a broad private-sector heat standard

New York City recently enacted a local law to address growing mental health concerns within the construction industry, reflecting increased attention on suicide prevention and substance abuse. The new law amends the New York City Building Code to broaden required site safety training (SST) to include mental health and wellness, suicide risk and prevention, and