Nevada OSHA Heat Regulation Enforcement Begins April 29, 2025

The Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Nevada OSHA), is reminding employers and the public that the state’s new Heat Regulation will go into full enforcement effect on April 29, 2025.

This regulation is designed to safeguard workers from the risks of heat-related illnesses as temperatures rise across Nevada. It establishes clear requirements for employers to implement preventive measures, employee training, and emergency response procedures to address heat exposure hazards in the workplace.

In addition to the regulation, the Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) offers free heat illness prevention training to assist employers in meeting compliance and protecting their workers. Nevada OSHA encourages all employers to take advantage of these available training opportunities.

The approved regulation (R131-24AP) requires businesses with more than 10 employees to implement the following measures:

• 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.
• Exemption for Climate-Controlled Environments: 
• The requirements of the regulation do not apply to employees who work indoors in climate-controlled environments, including motor vehicles with a properly functioning climate control system.
• If the climate control system becomes non-functional or ineffective, the employer shall make a good faith effort to reestablish an effective climate control system as soon as practicable.
• Until the climate control system is rendered effective, the employer must implement measures that address the potential hazards that could cause heat illness.
• Collective Bargaining Agreements: 
• Employers can exceed the requirements of the regulation on their own or through collective bargaining agreements.
• Collective bargaining agreements cannot waive or reduce the requirements of the regulation; and
• The regulation does not relieve an employer of contractual obligations under a collective bargaining agreement.

Resources and further information are available at the following links:

• Heat Illness Prevention Guidance:
  https://dir.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dirnvgov/content/OSHA/Guidance/2025-01-29%20(Heat%20Illness%20Prevention%20Guidance).pdf
• Official Regulation Text (R131-24AP):
  https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Register/2024Register/R131-24AP.pdf
• SCATS Free Heat Illness Prevention Training Schedule:
  https://www.4safenv.state.nv.us/training/classes/?month=2025-04&view=grid&s=Heat&dates=&course=#results

Nevada OSHA urges all employers to act now by reviewing their workplace policies, providing appropriate training, and preparing for compliance with this critical regulation before enforcement begins.

Contact:
Nevada OSHA
Phone: (702) 486-9020
Email: oshainfo@dir.nv.gov
Website: https://dir.nv.gov/OSHA/home/

 Nevada SCATS
Phone: (702) 486-9040
Email: nevadascats@dir.nv.gov
Website: https://www.4safenv.state.nv.us/

About Nevada OSHA:

Nevada OSHA operates as an approved state program as defined by section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and is required by the Act to operate in a manner that is at least as effective as the federal OSHA enforcement program. Operating out of district offices in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada OSHA conducts inspections and investigations intended to identify hazardous conditions which could harm Nevada’s workers and enforces state and federal laws protecting the state’s workers. For more information visit http://dir.nv.gov/OSHA/

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