One citation for violation of required COVID-19 workplace health and safety measures was issued last week by the Division of Industrial Relations’ Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Agency officials monitor and enforce compliance through in-field observations and through investigations opened in response to complaints and referrals filed with OSHA.
Basalite Concrete Products, LLC
2500 Boeing Way, Carson City, NV 89706
Penalty: $5,162
Violation Summary: Employee not wearing a face covering
The citation was issued after officials observed noncompliance with one or more requirements of general and industry-specific guidance and directives. A formal investigation was opened with the employer during which time the violations were substantiated and a notice of citation of penalty was issued.
Nevada OSHA has issued a total of 182 notices of citation and penalty related to violations of required COVID-19 health and safety measures in effect since mid-March. The citations have been issued as a result of both the employer observation process as well as through the investigation of employee complaints or public referrals.
Observation Findings: Initial
Since observations began in late-June to determine compliance with mandated health and safety measures under the Governor’s Declaration of Emergency Directive 024 and Nevada OSHA’s Guidance for Roadmap to Recovery, DIR officials have conducted 10,019 initial visits at business establishments finding a cumulative 89 percent statewide compliance rate, a 91 percent compliance rate in northern Nevada and 88 percent compliance in southern Nevada.
During the week beginning November 9, officials conducted 257 initial visits across the state at a wide range of business sectors finding a 99 percent compliance rate statewide.
Observation Findings: Follow Up
Since observations to determine compliance with mandated health and safety measures began, DIR officials have conducted 2,039 follow up visits finding a 96 percent statewide compliance rate with a 97 percent compliance rate in northern Nevada, and 93 percent in the south.
During the week beginning November 9, officials conducted 89 follow up visits finding 100 percent statewide compliance.
Complaint Data
In addition to the field observation process, Nevada OSHA responds to complaints from employees and referrals from the public regarding face coverings, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, and other areas of concern related to COVID-19 received by their offices. Of the 4,902 complaints received, 28 percent of the complaints concern general retail followed by 17 percent for restaurants and bars, 8 percent about medical facilities, 6 percent concern casinos and gaming and 5 percent about grocery stores.
The top five zip codes for complaints, to-date, include:
- 89502 (Reno), 265 complaints
- 89109 (Las Vegas), 218 complaints
- 89431 (Sparks), 177 complaints
- 89119 (Las Vegas), 160 complaints
- 89434 (Sparks), 139 complaints
Additional complaint data is available on the Division’s observation and complaint data dashboard. A link to the dashboard can be found on the homepage of the Division’s website http://dir.nv.gov.
Workplace health and safety complaints can be reported to the Division by filing an online complaint at https://www.osha.gov/pls/osha7.
Important Information for Employers
The Division’s Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) also offers free consultations to businesses to help them understand and implement the requirements in order to comply with the health and safety guidance and directives for all businesses, and specific requirements for each industry. SCATS can be reached by calling 1-877-4SAFENV.
Related: Nevada businesses facing fines for violating coronavirus safety rules
