Nevada
As extreme heat kills more Nevadans, OSHA bets on worker protections
It’s not just a dry heat in Las Vegas — it’s a deadly one.
The punishing triple-digit temperatures of the Mojave Desert take a toll on those who work outdoors, like construction workers, Strip pool attendants and landscapers. And for years, even though hundreds of Nevadans have died from heat-related illnesses, the state hasn’t required companies to protect them.
That might change in 2024.
After a state bill failed in the last legislative session that would have spurred regulations to shield workers from temperatures above 105 degrees, the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration is working on new requirements that would force businesses to set their own rules relative to heat.
Rather than lobby for support in the next session, OSHA will present a proposal to the Nevada Legislative Commission before the end of the year, circumventing the need for multiple committee votes or governor approval.
“We live in Nevada and have all experienced the heat every day in the summertime,” said Victoria Carreón, a state administrator who oversees OSHA. “It’s important to be ready to deal with it and prevent heat illnesses that could be catastrophic for workers.”
Deaths, complaints more than double in Southern Nevada
Perhaps the best indicator of the need for new rules is exhibited by the number of heat complaints that Nevada’s workers filed with OSHA last year.
There were 346 complaints filed in 2023, nearly a 65 percent increase from the amount filed in 2022.
Past Las Vegas Review-Journal reporting found that most complaints are generally from those who work indoors over issues like hot ovens and broken air conditioning. The number of complaints peaks in July, when temperatures are the hottest.
And so-called extreme heat, or abnormally high temperatures, is only worsening across the nation as the world’s carbon emissions change the climate.
An Associated Press analysis found that 2023 was the deadliest year on record across the country when it came to heat-related deaths. Southern Nevada is no different.
The Clark County coroner’s office tallied 307 deaths related to heat last year — a more than 80 percent increase from 2022, according to data obtained by the Review-Journal. A spokeswoman said the county began to investigate deaths that could be heat-related in more detail in 2021.
Dan Burc, a National Weather Service meteorologist in charge of issuing heat warnings in Las Vegas, said at a county press conference in early May that the city hasn’t experienced a record low temperature since June 1999.
Some summer days, temperatures won’t dip below 90 degrees even at the coolest hour, he said.
“You can’t ignore the fact that our climate is changing,” Burc said. “The data shows that we are heating up over time.”
Nevada takes unique approach to worker protections
Though other states have protections that are activated once a certain temperature threshold has been passed, Nevada is taking a different, unique approach.
If passed, every company would evaluate the needs of its workers and submit a heat action plan, said Carreón, the state administrator. This means much of what each company decides would be on its own terms, though OSHA would have the power to hold the company to its promises.
In other states like Texas and Florida, Republican-dominated legislatures and governors have stifled efforts to create mandatory heat protections in local governments, often because of pressure from industry leaders.
However, in Nevada, Carreón said OSHA is working directly with business leaders and trade groups that represent sectors that would be affected.
“Everybody wants to make sure they’re very cognizant that we are in Nevada, and this is a very hot environment,” Carreón said. “The stakeholders involved want to make sure workers are protected.”
Federally, a spokesperson said the Department of Labor is initiating the process to create a national heat standard that would be triggered by temperature thresholds. It likely would mean more breaks when it gets hotter.
The specifics of the national rule are still being decided, but it could add to what’s required of Nevada workplaces beyond a self-decided, company-specific plan. Nevada’s proposal still has more hurdles to pass, including more meetings and a Legislative Commission hearing.
Contact Alan at ahalaly@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AlanHalaly on X.
Communities In Schools of Nevada,
among the largest affiliates of a leading evidence-based dropout prevention nonprofit organization, announced a planned leadership transition effective July 13.
Tami Hance-Lehr, chief executive office and state director, plans to retire. Succeeding her, Alex Bybee has been named the next CEO and state director.
“Tami’s leadership, not only across Nevada, but throughout the Communities In Schools national network is marked with incredible success,” said Raymond Specht, board chair of CIS of Nevada. “What she has demonstrated when student supports are prioritized, along with her vision to strengthen partnerships, advance policy and expand access to wraparound evidence-based support is leaving a legacy for the over two-decade strong organization.”
Bybee returns to CIS of Nevada after founding and leading Bybee Co., a consulting practice focused on cross-sector strategies for social impact.
Pitching can be the ultimate difference during a double-elimination Nevada high school baseball state tournament.
So after Bishop Gorman ace Hudson Ciulla threw an efficient 67 pitches in the Gaels’ opening win of the tournament on Thursday, he knew the team could call his number again in the championship round Saturday.
Gorman coach Matt Stoner did just that, and Ciulla made the most of his second outing.
After four strong innings from starter Noah Ramos, Ciulla pitched a perfect final three innings to help Bishop Gorman secure a 5-3 win over Bishop Manogue to win the Class 5A state championship Saturday at Las Vegas High School.
“It’s awesome, it’s a weight off our shoulders,” said Ciulla, a senior right-hander. “It’s been something we’ve been dreaming of my whole life, winning state, especially as a senior. To go out on top, it couldn’t be a better feeling.”
It’s the 10th baseball state title for Gorman. Since the Gaels (32-6) had not lost in the double-elimination tournament entering Saturday, Manogue (30-10) would have needed to beat the Gaels twice on Saturday to claim the title.
“It’s what they talked about doing all year and they went out and did it,” Stoner said. “The team really loved each other and it was special. It was just the togetherness. They wanted it from Day 1 of fall ball. They talked about it, and I said, ‘You talk about it, you got to do it.’”
Gorman’s strong pitching
Manogue gave itself a chance through Saturday. The Miners kept up with Gorman by managing enough runs and limiting the Gaels’ bats. But things changed when Ciulla entered the game in the fifth with Gorman holding a 4-3 lead.
The Gonzaga commit had five innings and 83 pitches to work with before hitting the tournament limit, but Ciulla breezed through the Miners lineup. He struck out seven of the nine batters he faced and did not allow a base runner.
Ramos, who has dealt with forearm tightness throughout the entire season, pitched the Gaels to a win in the region title game on May 9, and got the Gaels to the fifth inning.
“When we pitch and play defense, we can play with anybody,” Stoner said. “Noah Ramos did an incredible job, he’s been battling the injury bug all year and he came in and got us to the fifth inning, which is what we wanted.
“And then, there’s nothing to say about Hudson Ciulla. He’s been amazing this week, he’s been amazing all year for us. He just came in and dominated and that’s what he does. He was exceptional today.”
‘Went through the fire’
Gorman fell behind early when Nate Lemieux hit a two-run homer in the top of the first to give the Miners the lead. The Gaels evened the score in the bottom of the inning on a Chase Wilk RBI double and DaMari Hall following Wilk with an RBI infield single.
“I have so much faith in this team that I knew we were going to come back,” said Wilk, a senior Minnesota commit. “Just doing whatever I can to help the team, that’s my mindset. … That belief just carries me through my play and all of us.”
Wilk and Hall delivered again in the third. With the bases loaded, Wilk recorded a long single after a Manogue outfielder dropped a fly ball. Then Hall had a sacrifice fly to give the Gaels a 4-3 lead.
“We went through the fire,” said Hall, a Washington State football commit. “Last season was tough, we played a lot of good competition this year, including this game. We’ve been down a lot this year, but there’s never a doubt that our bats are going to get going, our pitchers are going to throw strikes and we’re going to be out on top.”
Hall scored an insurance run in the sixth on a Soren Savarda sacrifice fly. Hall finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two stolen bases, and Wilk was 2-for-3.
“You sit up there and you don’t worry about (the seniors such as Wilk and Hall),” Stoner said. “You know that they are going to do something to help us win. They both stepped up. They have a calming sense about them. I think we were trying too hard on offense (today), we were trying to make it happen instead of doing it. But I’m really proud of them.”
Contact Alex Wright at awright@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AlexWright1028 on X.
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A domestic dispute led to a deadly shooting at a Smith’s in the valley this past Tuesday, and the man accused of the killings is now facing multiple felony charges.
Alejandro Estrada, who is charged with the two deaths at the store, is being held without bail. He faces 11 felony charges, including two counts of murder.
Court records show one of the victims, Amanda Frias Rosas, was involved in an ongoing child support case with Estrada.
Marilyn Caston, a junior partner at Nevada Family Law Group, discussed challenges that can arise for separated couples.
-
Lifestyle20 minutes agoSunday Puzzle: Between the lines
-
Technology32 minutes agoRevamped Siri will reportedly offer auto-deleting chats
-
World38 minutes agoNATO ally Poland warns Russia, Belarus pushing illegal migrants toward alliance — and the US
-
Politics44 minutes agoTrump warns Iran’s ‘clock is ticking’: Move ‘fast’ or ‘there won’t be anything left’
-
Health50 minutes agoFitness influencer says one simple habit can help anyone get back in shape
-
Sports56 minutes agoPro wrestling star learns what ‘land of opportunity’ means in US as he details journey from Italy to America
-
Technology1 hour agoFCC robocall crackdown could change phone privacy
-
Business1 hour agoWaymo recalls thousands of its driverless cars after some failed to avoid flooded roads
