Nevada’s Division of Industrial Relations (DIR) has recently approved a comprehensive Heat Illness Prevention Regulation to protect workers from heat-related illnesses. This regulation applies to outdoor workplaces and indoor environments without climate control, requiring employers to implement measures to safeguard employees against the dangers of heat exposure.
Employers with more than ten employees are now required to conduct a job hazard analysis to identify working conditions that may expose employees to heat-related risks. If hazards are identified, businesses must take preventive actions, including providing potable water, ensuring regular rest breaks, and creating access to shaded or cooled areas. Employers are also tasked with training employees and supervisors to recognize and address symptoms of heat illness effectively.
To ensure quick response in emergencies, employers must designate individuals responsible for contacting emergency services if a worker shows signs of heat-related illness. The regulation does not apply to workers in climate-controlled environments, such as vehicles with functional air conditioning. However, in cases where climate control systems fail, employers must address the issue promptly and implement interim protective measures.
The regulation will go into effect on January 1, 2025.
