In 2021, the Nevada Safety Consultation and Training Sections (SCATS) applied for and received funding from the U.S. Department of Labor through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021. These funds were to be used for activities aimed at protecting workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-pandemic recovery period.

With the funds awarded, Nevada SCATS purchased a soundproof broadcast booth to allow for online and hybrid classes to support their COVID-19 training and outreach campaign. This campaign helps educate employers and employees on the resources that SCATS can provide, specifically regarding COVID-19 mitigation. The campaign includes paid digital advertising, social media content and management, public relations/earned media, website content, and email marketing.

The soundproof broadcast booth was delivered and assembled in January of 2022 and became operational in February. Through May 25, 2022, SCATS has conducted 46 online training classes and has trained 864 students using the broadcast booth. It has allowed for a quiet space for trainers to teach without interruptions that would happen in the general office area. The distance learning broadcast booth has thus far been a great success and Nevada SCATS expects to train hundreds more students before the end of the fiscal year. In addition to COVID-19 training, Nevada SCATS used the booth to conduct training on Machine Safeguarding, Hazard Communication Awareness, and the OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Course.

OSHA On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards and how to fix them, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, train and educate workers, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs. On-Site Consultation services are separate from OSHA enforcement efforts and do not result in penalties or citations. To locate the OSHA On-Site Consultation program nearest you, call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit www.osha.gov/consultation.