Intense heat grips southern Nevada every summer. However, in recent years, the topic of worksite heat stress safety has become a focus. In 2022, Federal OSHA introduced its national emphasis program on heat stress safety. The same year, Nevada OSHA also issued its state heat stress guidelines for businesses.
As summer 2024 approaches, it’s time for southern Nevada businesses and employers to prepare for high temperatures, which can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities on the worksite. The Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) of the State of Nevada’s Division of Industrial Relations offers free resources to help protect employees across the Silver State during summer months and all year long.
Here are top recommendations from SCATS’ worksite safety experts to help employers and employees stay cool and stay safe:
Prevent heat illness by providing water, rest, and shade.
Temperatures in Las Vegas reached 110 degrees and higher during 17 days last July 2023, the hottest month ever recorded in Las Vegas. The heat can become severe, even dangerous, very quickly. Preventing heat-related illness on the worksite is possible with three key elements––water, rest and shade.
- Water: Workers should drink at least 8 ounces of water or electrolyte beverages every 20 minutes while working in the heat. They shouldn’t wait to hydrate until they feel thirsty.
- Rest: As temperatures rise, the length and frequency of rest breaks on the worksite should increase. It’s also important to schedule more breaks for employees new to the worksite to allow them to adjust to the heat over time.
- Shade: Workers need a cool, shaded area on the worksite to take breaks.
Know how to spot the signs of heat-related illnesses.
Hazardous heat exposure can occur at indoor or outdoor worksites and during any season. Everyone on the worksite should know the signs of heat illness, as directed by the Centers for Disease Control, and how to prevent serious injuries or fatalities.
- Heat stroke: Symptoms may include high body temperature (103 degrees or hotter), a fast and strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. If symptoms appear, call 911 immediately. Move the individual to a cooler place and apply cool cloths to their skin while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.
- Heat exhaustion: Symptoms may include heavy sweating, a fast and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headache, loss of consciousness and cold/pale and clammy skin. If symptoms appear, move the individual to a cool place and give them water to sip until symptoms lessen. Call 911 if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
- Heat cramps, heat rash, sunburn: Symptoms of less severe heat-related illnesses may include heavy sweating, muscle pain or cramps, painful and red skin, and small clusters of red blisters on the skin. If symptoms appear, move the individual to a cool place and give them water to sip until symptoms lessen. Call 911 if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
Training is critical.
With appropriate training, employers can help keep their workforce cool and safe. SCATS offers no-cost training courses and worksite heat testing for Nevada businesses. Those interested can register for the upcoming heat safety course, which will be held online on Thursday, June 20, 2024. This course provides participants with an overview of the Federal OSHA national emphasis program on heat stress, how to recognize heat illness symptoms, prevention tips, and more.
“We want everyone on the worksite to be prepared and know how to avoid heat-related illnesses,” said Todd Schultz, chief administrative officer for SCATS. “That’s why SCATS offers no-cost training and consultations, so there are no barriers to resources and education for Nevada businesses of all sizes and specialties––because every Nevadan should be able to return home safely at the end of their work day.”
Business owners, managers, supervisors, and employees can contact SCATS year-round for worksite safety consultations or workplace training at 4safenv.state.nv.us or by calling (877) 472-3368.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.