11/24/2025
Safety and Pay Practices Businesses Should Consider for the Colder Months Ahead
Source: Fisher Phillips, November 12, 2025
With the winter season and snowier conditions just around the corner, is your business prepared for the cold weather safety and leave requests that are also on the forecast? When snow or ice makes it difficult for staff to travel to work or forces you to close your operations altogether, you may be obligated to pay certain employees. And while there are no specific federal rules on keeping workers safe in the cold, employers still face legal obligations to maintain a safe workplace. Here are a few important reminders and how to handle inclement weather-related leave requests.
Risks Rise When the Temperature Drops
The lower average temperatures that come along with the winter season present health-related safety risks for employees that primarily work outside. There are currently no federal regulations requiring employers to take specific precautions due to cold weather, but employers do have a legal obligation to maintain a workplace free from hazards.
Employers should conduct a hazard assessment to determine what steps will protect their staff from freezing temperatures, said Travis Vance, Regional Managing Partner of FP’s Charlotte office and a key member of the Workplace Safety team.