On November 15, 2024, Nevada became the sixth state to adopt a regulation aimed at protecting workers from heat-related illnesses. This comes after a record-breaking summer that saw Las Vegas reach 120°F and a steady increase of heat-related illness complaints across the state in recent years. During calendar year 2021 there were 344 complaints which climbed to 467 complaints filed through September 2024.
The finalized regulation represents a compromise after multiple failed attempts to address heat-related workplace safety in the state. Previous proposals struggled to gain consensus, with debates centering on the inclusion of a specific temperature threshold to trigger protections. Ultimately, the finalized regulation removed the threshold temperature requirement, opting instead for a more flexible approach that considers a variety of factors, such as environmental conditions and job-specific risks.
Here is a summary of the requirements:
Job Hazard Analysis: Businesses with more than 10 employees are required to perform a one-time job hazard analysis of working conditions that could cause heat illness.
- This analysis is limited to job classifications where a majority of employees have occupational exposure to heat illness for more than 30 minutes of any 60-minute period, excluding breaks.
Written Safety Program: If the job hazard analysis identifies conditions that may cause heat illness, a written plan is required that includes the following:
- Provision of potable water;
- Provision of a rest break when an employee exhibits signs or symptoms of heat illness;
- Provision for means of cooling for employees;
- Monitoring by a person designated by the employer of working conditions that could create occupational exposure to heat illness;
- Identification and mitigation of work processes that may generate additional heat or humidity;
- Training of employees; and
- Procedures for responding to an emergency.
Emergency Procedures: Employers are required to designate an individual who will contact emergency services if an employee is experiencing signs of heat illness.
Training: Employers are required to provide training to employees identified in the job hazard analysis on the following topics:
- How to recognize the hazards of heat illness; and
- Procedures to be followed to minimize the hazards of heat illness.
Employees working indoors in climate-controlled environments, including vehicles with functioning climate control systems, are exempt from the requirements. However, if these systems fail, employers must promptly restore them and implement interim measures to mitigate heat hazards.
Although it was effective immediately upon filing, the new rule gives businesses time to comply. The Division of Industrial Relations (DIR) plans to issue additional guidance within the next 30 days, with enforcement beginning 90 days after its publication. Additionally, there is a guidance document published by the DIR in 2023 that outlines best practices for protecting workers from extreme heat and served as a precursor to the now-mandated requirements.
In this article, Sara Osorio, Coordinator, EHS Affairs, PRINTING United Alliance, reviews Nevada’s new heat-related illness regulations. More information about this and other occupational safety issues can be found at Business Excellence-EHS Affairs or reach out to Sara directly if you have questions about how these issues may affect your business: sosorio@printing.org.
To become a member of PRINTING United Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.