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Even as temperatures cooled, Nevada's Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) worked to pass a heat illness regulation. On November 15, 2024, the State of Nevada adopted new regulations to protect workers…
United States
Nevada
Employment and HR
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Even as temperatures cooled, Nevada's Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) worked to pass a heat illness regulation. On November 15, 2024, the State of Nevada adopted new regulations designed to protect workers from heat-related illnesses by imposing new requirements on employers.
The new regulation, which came into force immediately after its adoption, requires companies with more than 10 employees to implement certain protective measures for indoor and outdoor heat. The rule does not apply to employees who work in air-conditioned environments. However, if the air conditioning system fails, the employer must make a good faith effort to restore an effective air conditioning system as quickly as possible and must take measures to eliminate the potential hazards that could lead to heat illness.
Here are the basics of what employers need to know now.
Job threat analysis
Insured companies are required to conduct a workplace hazard analysis for workplace classifications where the majority of employees are exposed to heat illness for more than 30 minutes out of 60 (not including breaks).
Written safety program
For workplaces where heat-related illnesses exist, employers must develop a written plan that includes:
- Provision of drinking water
- Provisions for a rest break if an employee exhibits symptoms of heat illness
- Cooling down options for employees
- Supervision by a designated person of working conditions that may lead to heat illness
- Identify and contain work processes that generate additional heat or moisture
- Train employees on safety protocols
- Procedures for responding to an emergency
Training
Covered employers are required to provide training to employees identified in the work hazard analysis on how to recognize the hazards of heat illness and what procedures to follow to minimize the hazards of heat illness.
Designation of an emergency response employee
If the employer determines, based on the workplace hazard analysis, that an employee may be at risk of heat illness, the employer must designate an employee to contact emergency medical services if an employee develops signs of heat illness.
The DIR has announced that it will publish additional guidance for employers on its website in the coming weeks. If you have any questions about compliance with Nevada's new regulations or any related issues, please contact a Jackson Lewis attorney to discuss them.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the topic. Specialist advice should be sought regarding your specific circumstances.