Nevada Mandates OSHA Training for Construction Industry

   With a signature from Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons on June 3rd, Nevada became the first nation in the state to mandate OSHA-10 and OSHA -30 training for all construction workers and site supervisors. A string of worker deaths at the City Center jobsite in Las Vegas was a catalyst for the safety legislation, Assembly Bill 148.

AB148 require OSHA 10 hour trainingfor jobsite eimployees beginning Januaary 1st. One of the more controversial aspects of the legislation is the requirement thatthe training be completed within 15 days of hire. Those employees who complete the training will be issued a "completion card" certifying the employee's compliance. Completion cards are valid for a 5 year period, after which time they will have to renewed by retaking the course or by some other method of approved continuing education.

There are still a number of provisions of the bill that still need to be ironed out, among which is that numerous workers have already completed the OSHA course but possess cards that have no expiration date.

While employees will be required to train in 2010, enforcement is scheduled to begin January 1, 2011. This will allow a one year period for existing employees - and new hires - to be trained.

The Builders Association of Northern Nevada (BANN) is scheduling a number of OSHA-10 and OSHA-30 courses begininning in September, 2009 and continuing throughout 2010. Given the expected demand for training, courses will fill fast. For more information on AB148 or the training courses being offered by BANN, please contact the association's offices at (775) 329-4611.