Relates to mandating the development and approval of operational safety plans

Safety plans required for state parks workers

Effective immediately, New York’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation must prepare approved safety plans before hazardous employee deployments. These are organized assignments requiring coordination beyond routine duties, where conditions pose significant health or safety risks. Examples include natural disasters, extreme weather, and other emergencies. Plans must identify risks, safety measures, team roles, an authorized on-site supervisor, and a clear chain of command. They must also include every team member’s emergency contacts and evacuation steps tailored to the assignment. The commissioner or designee must approve each plan, checking safety standards, employee training, and whether the hazardous deployment is essential. For joint deployments with other entities, the office must make reasonable efforts to give employees this information when practical. The law does not limit or delay routine duties or responses to immediate threats to life or property.