Nevada OSHA sees more heat-related complaints indoors than outdoors under proposed regulations

In 2023, more complaints about heat in the workplace were filed indoors than outdoors with the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration. – according to a press report by KTNV.

The report said several complaints mentioned temperatures exceeding triple digits, including a body shop exposed to temperatures exceeding 116 degrees.

The report shows that OSHA recorded a total of 392 heat-related complaints in 2023, compared to 254 complaints recorded in 2022.

KTNV, which made use of a request for information in the public register, does not provide precise data on the number of complaints relating to the indoor working environment.

Nevada, like most states, does not have regulations regarding heat in the work environment. However, the article noted that state OSHA is working on a plan to protect workers from heat. It was not indicated whether this plan would include indoor work space. A draft plan could be ready in the coming months.

Washington, California and Colorado have regulations regarding high temperatures and outdoor work environments, according to OSHA. – reports the Kaiser Family Foundation that Oregon and Minnesota are the only states with regulations regarding heating in both indoor and outdoor work environments.

California he has been involved in a political battle in recent months According to the LA Times, regulations passed by the state OSHA commission in March impose regulations on heating in closed spaces. The state Department of Finance declined to approve the rules, saying more cost studies were needed.

“Under the proposed regulations, employers would be required to provide cooling areas and monitor employees taking cooling breaks for signs of heat illness when indoor temperatures reach or exceed 82 degrees,” he added. The Los Angeles Times says. “If temperatures rise to 87 degrees or employees are forced to work near hot equipment, employers will be required to take additional safety measures to cool the broader work area, schedule more breaks, rotate workers, or make other adjustments.”

OSHA suggests employers are taking steps to reduce heat-related illness by encouraging workers to drink adequate fluids, such as water and sports drinks, and take frequent breaks.

OSHA says employers can also change work schedules to morning or shorter shifts.

All supervisors and employees should be trained in heat-related symptoms and first aid, according to the website.

Many retailers sell cooling vests that can be used to lower workers’ body temperatures while working in the heat.

Vortec sells a cooling vest on its website for $265. The vest uses a cooling tube that generates cool air to ensure air flow to the employee, – we read on the company’s website. It says all vests can achieve temperature differences of +/- 45 – 60 degrees.

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Photo courtesy of designer491/iStock

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