Nevada OSHA Adopts New Heat Regulation

• Nevada’s new heat regulation has come into effect after being adopted by the state’s Division of Industrial Relations.
• Businesses with more than 10 employees are now required to perform a one-time job hazard analysis of working conditions that could cause heat illness.
• Other requirements include preparation of a written safety program if the job hazard analysis identifies conditions that may cause heat illness.
• The DIR said the regulation is the culmination of “four years of discussion and engagement with various stakeholders to develop a framework that works for Nevada’s workers and employers.
• Heat-related complaints to Nevada OSHA have grown in recent years. During calendar year 2021, 344 complaints were filed, compared to 467 complaints filed through September 2024.
• 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.
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Nominees Sought for Maritime Advisory Occupational Safety and Health Panel

• The US Labor Department is seeking nominations for members on OSHA’s Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health.
• The deadline for submitting nominations is Jan. 6, 2025. 
• Nominees ideally have a strong interest in the safety and health shipyard, longshoring and commercial fishing workers.
• The Secretary of Labor will select 15 members seeking a diversity of interests of employers, employees, safety and health professional organizations, and government organizations.
• The panel advises the Labor Secretary in formulating maritime industry standards and safety matters in the maritime industry.
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Vermont OSHA Proposes Hazard Communication Changes

• Vermont OSHA has proposed a modification of the state’s Hazard Communication Standard, including revised criteria for classification of certain health and physical hazards, revised provisions for updating labels, new labeling provisions updating labels, new labeling provisions for small containers, new provisions related to trade secrets, technical amendments related to the contents of safety data sheets (SDSs), and related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard.
• It is seeking public comment by Dec. 27.
• This rule proposal affects establishments in a variety of different industries both Construction and General Industry, private or public sector, in which employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals or in which hazardous chemicals are produced, according to the notice.
• The agency said most workplaces would be able to accomplish the changes within their regular training routine, however, it expected that Chemical manufacturers would see more significant compliance-related impacts, though not at the point that operational change would be dictated.
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