Nevada Law Changes Construction Hours Amid Summer Heat

Categories: National Construction NewsNews

Nevada construction workers begin their shift at sunrise to avoid extreme heat.

News Summary

A new law in Nevada allows construction to start at 5 a.m. during summer months to protect workers from extreme heat. The legislation has sparked controversy among residents due to early morning noise from construction sites. The law aims to balance worker safety with community concerns as complaints about construction disturbances grow.

Las Vegas, Nevada — A new law signed by the governor last month permits construction work to begin as early as 5 a.m. during the summer months, specifically between April 1st and September 30th. Known as Assembly Bill 478, the legislation applies to construction sites located at least 300 feet away from any occupied homes, aiming to protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat.

The unanimous passage of Assembly Bill 478 through both the Nevada Assembly and Senate reflects a growing concern for worker safety, especially in light of the rising temperatures in Nevada. In 2024 alone, Clark County reported 526 heat-related deaths, showcasing the urgent need for preventive measures in construction and outdoor labor.

This legislative change has sparked controversy among residents, particularly in areas experiencing significant construction activity. A prominent construction project near Lake Las Vegas has drawn complaints from neighbors who reported being disturbed by the noise from 5 a.m. onward, as some residents found the noise intrusive even as early as 6:30 a.m.

To address these concerns, Nevada’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Nevada OSHA) has been enforcing new protections for outdoor workers during extreme heat since April 2023, which complements the recent shift in construction hours. Additionally, Assembly Bill 189 was approved in 2023 to extend early morning construction hours to developing homeowners’ association (HOA) communities, allowing similar noise regulations from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the same April to September timeframe. However, this change is limited to under-construction HOA communities that have not yet been turned over to resident associations.

In the Las Vegas Valley, where temperatures have recently reached record highs, these adjustments are viewed as necessary to mitigate the risk of heat exhaustion among construction workers. Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui emphasized the urgency of adapting work schedules in a state known for having two of the fastest-warming cities in the U.S.

Residents have voiced their frustrations not only regarding early morning noise but also about ongoing nighttime construction activities. An increase in complaints led to a re-evaluation of construction permits, resulting in restrictions that limited nighttime construction operations, particularly under circumstances that were less communicated to neighboring residents.

One notable case involved heavy machinery operating at night near the home of Jeff McIntosh, who raised numerous complaints concerning the disruption to his daily life. His efforts, along with media attention, prompted changes in the construction schedule for nighttime work. In certain cases, exceptions were granted to install high-speed internet, which required nighttime work due to traffic patterns and lane closures.

Feedback from residents highlighted communication issues regarding nighttime construction projects, as many reported insufficient notice prior to work commencing. In response to ongoing concerns, construction hours have been modified to occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in some instances, aiming to balance the needs of construction firms with the quality of life for nearby residents.

The City Council of Las Vegas has thus far supported these measures, allowing construction noise from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. in neighborhoods still under construction, while listening to citizen feedback related to the disturbances caused by early and late construction activities. The aim of these new regulations is not only to promote worker safety during dangerous heat conditions but also to find a harmonious solution that considers the welfare of nearby residents affected by construction noise.