Nevada’s New Law Allows Early Start Times for Construction

News Summary

Nevada has enacted a new law permitting construction crews to begin work as early as 5 a.m. This law aims to protect workers from extreme summer heat, changing previous regulations that limited start times to 7 a.m. The new rules are effective from April 1st to September 30th and require construction sites to be at least 300 feet away from residential areas. The legislation has received widespread support and responds to increased heat-related health concerns among construction workers.

Nevada Law Permits Earlier Construction Start Times to Ensure Worker Safety

A new law in Nevada permits construction crews to start work on commercial and infrastructure projects as early as 5 a.m. during the hottest months of the year. This change, aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat, was signed into law by Governor Joe Lombardo last month. The legislation marks a significant shift from previous regulations that prohibited construction starting before 7 a.m. in residential areas.

Legal Framework and Implementation Timeline

The revised hours will be effective from April 1st through September 30th, targeting the peak summer months when temperatures soar. However, to qualify for these earlier start times, construction activities must be conducted at least 300 feet away from any occupied home. This stipulation seeks to balance worker safety with community noise concerns.

Context Behind the Legislation

This law was introduced in response to a troubling rise in heat-related incidents and complaints among construction workers. The data from Nevada OSHA shows that in 2024, there were 485 heat-related complaints, the highest recorded number in the agency’s history, with 5% coming from the construction industry. Furthermore, the statistics revealed that 526 people died from heat-related causes in Clark County within the same year, highlighting the critical need for protective measures.

Health Risks of Construction Work

Construction workers typically face a heightened risk of heat stress due to the demanding nature of their jobs, which often involve physical labor in high temperatures while handling heavy materials like asphalt. With the summer months posing increased risks, the law is seen as a proactive measure to mitigate incidents of heat stroke, exhaustion, and other safety-related issues that arise from working in extreme thermal conditions.

Support and Challenges Ahead

The bill, known as AB478, garnered widespread support from various groups within the construction industry and passed unanimously through both the Assembly and Senate. Advocates of the legislation emphasized the urgent need to protect commercial construction workers from the dangers of heat-related injuries. In light of numerous worker experiences, there was a clear call for action to address the risks associated with working in oppressive heat.

National Trends and Comparisons

Nevada is not alone in this legislative direction, as other states like Arizona have implemented similar laws allowing for earlier construction hours during summertime to ensure worker safety. Observations from other states may provide useful insights as Nevada begins to implement its new law.

Noise Complaints Expected

Despite the positive implications for worker health and safety, the law may lead to an increase in noise complaints from residents as construction crews start their workday earlier. Areas in Clark County that have already allowed construction to begin as early as 2 a.m. in non-residential zones may serve as precedents for managing such issues within the community.

Recommendations for Heat Mitigation Strategies

Experts from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health suggest that scheduling high-risk tasks during cooler parts of the day can be an effective strategy for reducing heat-related risks. This new law aligns with such recommendations by providing additional flexibility to work during the cooler early morning hours.

The implementation of this legislation signals a significant step towards enhancing safety for construction workers in Nevada, addressing public health concerns while still considering the needs of local communities. As the state navigates this new regulatory landscape, its impact on both workers and residents will be closely monitored.

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Additional Resources

• Nevada Current: New State Law Lets Construction Crews Beat the Heat
• Fox 5 Vegas: New Nevada Law Allows Construction to Begin Early at 5 AM
• KTNV: How Nevada OSHA Plans to Enforce New Heat Regulation
• Governing: Nevada Introduces Bill to Combat Extreme Heat
• The Nevada Independent: Why Planting More Trees May Not Be the Silver Bullet to Combat Extreme Heat in Las Vegas