Nevada OSHA urges employers, outdoor workers to take measures to prevent heat-related illness

The Nevada Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) of the Division of Industrial Relations is urging employers to establish and implement a heat illness prevention program as the temperatures in Nevada begin to rise. 

Every year, thousands of workers suffer from serious heat-related illnesses. If not quickly treated, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke, killing and average of 30 workers annually since 2003, according to U.S. Department of Labor.

In conjunction with the Department of Labor’s national outreach campaign, Nevada OSHA is reminding employers and workers that heat-related illness is preventable by following three simple steps: water, rest and shade.

“In the absence of a plan implemented by the employer, employees should also be aware of the dangers and should take preventative measures to ensure their safety in extreme temperatures,” said John Wanamaker, Nevada OSHA Chief Administrative Officer.

Heat related illness can be prevented by following a few simple measures:

• Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty
• Rest in the shade to cool down
• Wear a hat and light-colored clothing
• Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency
• Keep an eye on fellow workers
• "Easy does it" on your first days of work in the heat

OSHA has developed heat illness educational materials in English and Spanish, as well as a curriculum to be used for workplace training. Additionally, a web page provides information and resources on heat illness – including how to prevent it and what to do in case of an emergency – for workers and employers.  For more information or resources, visit http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html.

Employers and employees can also access the free education and consultation services provided the Division’s Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) that focus on the prevention of workplace injury and illness. To learn more about SCATS services, please visit http://4safenv.state.nv.us/

About the Division of Industrial Relations

The mission of the Division of Industrial Relations, an agency of the Department of Business and Industry, is to promote the health and safety of Nevada employees and ensure injured employees receive all benefits to which they are entitled. The Division includes the following units: Workers’ Compensation, Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mine Safety and Training Section (MSATS), Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) and the Mechanical Section. The Division maintains offices in Carson City, Elko, Henderson, and Reno, and an additional Mine Safety and Training Section office in Winnemucca.

About NV OSHA

The State of Nevada, under an agreement with Federal OSHA, operates an occupational safety and health program in accordance with Section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Initial approval of the Nevada State Plan was published on January 4, 1974, and final approval was published on April 18, 2000. The Nevada State Plan applies to all public and private sector employers in the State, with some exceptions, including, but not limited to Federal employees, the United States Postal Service (USPS), private sector maritime, employment on Indian lands, and areas of exclusive Federal jurisdiction.

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