Nevada recently approved a groundbreaking regulation to protect both indoor and outdoor workers from the dangers of extreme heat. This regulation, which has been in the works for four years, mandates that businesses with more than 10 employees conduct a thorough analysis of potential heat-related hazards in the workplace. Following this analysis, businesses are required to develop a written safety program that addresses crucial issues such as access to water and breaks for employees who show signs of heat illness.
Victoria Carreon, the administrator overseeing Nevada’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), emphasized the importance of considering the needs of both employees and employers in developing this regulation. She highlighted the fact that Nevada’s hot desert climate poses a significant risk to workers, and the lack of federal regulations addressing heat protection made it essential for the state to take action.
Unlike federal regulations, Nevada’s new rule ensures that workers are provided with shade, water, and breaks to prevent heat-related illnesses. The recent heatwave in Southern Nevada, which resulted in a record-breaking 120-degree day in Las Vegas, underscored the urgent need for such protections. The rise in heat-related complaints to Nevada OSHA further emphasizes the necessity of these safeguards for workers.
Efforts to establish heat protections for workers have faced challenges in the past, with previous versions of the regulation being rejected. However, by involving input from industry representatives, advocates, and various stakeholders, Nevada was able to pass this crucial regulation. Eliminating a uniform temperature threshold requirement and instead focusing on individual job hazard analyses allowed for a more tailored approach to protecting workers from heat-related risks.
The regulation not only covers outdoor workers but also extends to indoor workers in non-climate-controlled environments like warehouses and kitchens. Businesses will need to develop specific plans that address key concerns such as access to water, breaks for heat-affected employees, training, and emergency response protocols. By involving a wide range of stakeholders in the regulatory process, Nevada OSHA ensured that the final regulation was practical and effective across different industries.
Moving forward, Nevada OSHA will provide guidance to businesses on implementing the new regulations, with a 90-day window for compliance. The state hopes that its proactive approach to worker heat protections will serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges. The collaborative effort to develop this regulation demonstrates Nevada’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of all workers in the state.