Maryland becomes 6th state to adopt a heat protection rule

Hunt Valley, MD — Maryland is the latest state to adopt a standard on heat illness prevention.

Aimed at protecting both indoor and outdoor workers, the standard went into effect Sept. 30, according to a “special announcement” on the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health website. Five other states have a standard on heat: California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington.

“Workers are routinely – and more frequently – facing health risks from high heat,” Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu said in a statement obtained by Safety+Health. “Employees need protections they can count on, and employers need clear rules that they can follow to ensure safe workplaces. That’s why Maryland is proud to issue the heat protection standard and to be the first state on the East Coast to do so.”

Similar to the rule proposed in August by federal OSHA, Maryland’s standard requires covered employers to develop a heat illness prevention and management plan. It also contains provisions on acclimatization, shade, drinking water, training and emergency response.

Employer requirements under OSHA’s proposed rule would go into effect when the heat index reaches 80° F. The Maryland standard also has a section on “high-heat procedures,” which must be initiated when the heat index reaches 90° F. Those procedures include implementing work and rest schedules for employees, as well as two-way communication with workers.

MOSH officials will take part in outreach efforts over the coming months to raise awareness among employers and workers about the standard and the dangers of heat, Maryland Labor and Industry Commissioner Devki Virk said in the statement.