After a deadly 2024 heat season, Maryland is heading into summer with new heat safety protections designed to prevent on-the-job illnesses and fatalities due to extreme heat.
As reported by Maryland Matters, last year, 27 Marylanders died from heat-related illnesses. In response, the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) division finalized new regulations last fall that require employers to take proactive steps when temperatures climb.
Maryland’s Heat Illness Prevention Standards require employers to protect workers from heat hazards in indoor and outdoor settings where the heat index reaches 80°F or higher. The regulation mandates the creation of a written Heat-Related Illness Prevention and Management Plan.
The new standards apply across many industries, including public and private, such as local governments, construction, agriculture, warehousing, restaurants, and others. Employers must now implement formal high heat plans when the heat index exceeds 90 or 100 degrees. These plans must include access to water, shaded areas, and regular break periods. The regulations also promote a gradual adjustment process for workers new to high-heat environments.
From the article:
Workplace standards can only do so much, since many victims of heat stress may not be on the job – in fact, half of the fatalities from last year were of people aged 65 years and older.
The 2025 heat season runs roughly from May through the end of September. Already, 22 people have landed in emergency rooms or urgent care, according to the health department’s Heat-related Illness Surveillance Report for the week of April 27 through May 3. The department will release weekly updates during the season on Wednesdays.
As previously covered by MACo, a Littler article outlines what employers must do when the heat index reaches 80°F. From the article:
- Provision of sufficient amounts of drinking water (at least 32 ounces per hour per employee per day);
- Methods for identifying how employees will be provided sufficient opportunities and encouragement to stay hydrated;
- How to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke;
- How the employer will implement rest break schedules as necessary;
- Training for employees on the hazards of heat exposure and steps to prevent heat-related illness;
- Procedures for heat acclimatization of up to 14 days for newly exposed or returning employees.
