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’s New Law Enables Early Start Times for Construction Work

A recently passed law in Nevada allows construction crews on commercial and infrastructure projects to begin work as early as 5 a.m. The initiative, signed by the Governor, aims to protect construction workers from the dangerously high temperatures experienced during the summer months. This change marks a significant shift from previous regulations, which prohibited construction activities near residential areas from starting before 7 a.m. due to strict local noise ordinances.

Details of the Law

The new regulations are effective from April 1st through September 30th, targeting the hottest months of the year when the risks of heat-related incidents peak. For construction teams to take advantage of this earlier start time, they must ensure that their work is at least 300 feet away from any occupied dwelling. This stipulation is designed to balance the need for protecting workers from heat with the rights of residents to enjoy peace and quiet during the early hours.

Heat-Related Health Concerns

This legislative action comes in response to a troubling rise in heat-related complaints and workplace injuries since 2021. Records from Nevada’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed that 2024 saw an unprecedented 485 heat-related complaints, marking it as the highest number documented in the agency’s history. Alarmingly, 5% of these complaints were attributed to the construction industry, highlighting a significant area of concern.

Furthermore, Clark County experienced 526 heat-related fatalities in the same year, stressing a pressing need for effective protective measures for workers. With construction work often involving strenuous physical labor in sweltering conditions, construction workers are particularly vulnerable to heat stress from elevated temperatures and heavy materials like asphalt.

Support for the Legislation

The bill, designated as AB478, received overwhelming support from various groups in the construction industry and passed unanimously through both the state Assembly and Senate. The impetus behind the legislation was the urgent demand from workers who reported firsthand experiences with heat-related health incidents.

The law is expected to considerably alleviate risks associated with working in extreme temperatures. Heat-related conditions such as heat stroke and exhaustion pose serious health threats, and experts recommend scheduling risky tasks during the cooler parts of the day as a proactive approach to mitigate associated hazards.

Local Impact and Noise Concerns

Although the law provides critical advantages for workers by enabling earlier start times, it may also lead to an increase in noise complaints from residents. As construction noise begins earlier in the day, adjustments may need to be made to accommodate the balance between a productive work environment and the tranquility of nearby homes.

Interestingly, parts of Clark County have already implemented policies allowing construction to start as early as 2 a.m. in non-residential zones, reflecting an existing trend toward accommodating early work hours for the benefit of laborers.

Regional Context

Nevada is not alone in tackling this issue. Arizona has also adopted similar legislation that permits early construction hours during the sweltering summer months, indicating a regional movement aimed at enhancing worker safety amid increasingly challenging weather conditions.

As the law takes effect, its success will likely be measured by improved worker safety outcomes and reduced heat-related injuries. Stakeholders in the construction industry, including workers and employers alike, are keenly watching to see how this proactive approach plays out in practice. The hope is that this legislation can serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges due to climate conditions.

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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