Essential Steps for Employers to Prepare for Weather Emergencies

ARTICLE | February 24, 2025

Authored by Vasquez + Company

Weather emergencies frequently catch employers by surprise, leading to hastily created policies that lack clarity and risk causing both legal and practical headaches. Employers who rely on “on-the-fly” decisions might unintentionally violate workplace safety or wage rules, harming employee morale and inviting legal trouble. By taking proactive steps and complying with federal regulations—most notably rules under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)—employers can build a solid foundation for weather emergency plans. Doing so helps protect employees, maintain operations when possible, and reduce confusion at a time that is already stressful for everyone involved.

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Effective weather emergency planning does more than shield your organization from legal pitfalls. It also strengthens employee confidence, ensuring that everyone knows how you will address issues like potential hazards, compensation, and last-minute closures. When you understand your obligations under OSHA and the FLSA, and then go beyond those baseline requirements with proactive practices, you create an environment of stability and trust.

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