Maryland Department of Labor Proposes Heat Stress Standards.

February 27, 2024

The MD Department of Labor has issued draft regulations that would impose substantial burdens on employees with workers where the heat index in the work area exceeds 80 degrees. Among the required items includes a written heat plan, acclimatization procedures, an emergency response process, annual employee training, shading and cooling measures, mandatory rest breaks, and minimum water provided by the employer.

MMTA President Louis Campion expressed the industry’s concerns at a public meeting on February 26. There is still a chance for businesses to submit their own written comments by March 15. A copy of the proposal is at https://labor.maryland.gov/labor/dliheatstressillnessprevstandarddraft.pdf. You may send comments to:
dli.regulations+heat@maryland.gov.