With rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, employers are preparing for the hot summer season that is upon us. Employers in Maryland will be navigating the new heat-related illness prevention standard introduced by Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH). This marks the first season under these regulations, aligning Maryland with other Democratic-led states such as California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, which have implemented similar standards through their Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) state plans in recent years.
Maryland employers must prioritize employee safety by preventing heat-related illnesses. This initiative is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of employees, particularly in industries where employees are exposed to high temperatures.
The new standard mandates that employers develop a comprehensive Heat Illness Prevention Plan. The MOSH Heat-related Illness Prevention Standard provides clear requirements to protect your workforce. Here’s what you need to do:
- Conduct a Heat Exposure Risk Assessment
Employers are required to conduct a Heat Exposure Risk Assessment by evaluating all work activities that expose employees to high temperatures, especially outdoors, in hot indoor spaces, or in environments with heavy equipment. Monitoring environmental conditions using tools such as the Heat Index or WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) is essential to assess risk levels routinely, especially during heatwaves or peak temperatures.
- Implement Engineering and Administrative Controls
To mitigate heat exposure risks, employers should implement engineering and administrative controls. This includes modifying work schedules to conduct strenuous tasks during cooler parts of the day, providing access to shaded or air-conditioned rest areas, and regulating work rates to reduce heat stress while allowing acclimatization for new or returning employees.
- Train Your Employees
Training employees is a critical component of the standard. Employers must educate employees about the risks of heat-related illnesses, including symptoms such as heavy sweating, nausea, dizziness, or confusion. Promoting preventive practices like hydration, proper clothing, and symptom recognition is vital, as is encouraging early reporting of symptoms without fear of reprisal.
- Ensure Hydration and Personal Protective Equipment
Ensuring hydration and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) are also key requirements. Employers should make cool, potable water readily available at all times and remind employees to drink small amounts frequently. Supplying appropriate PPE that protects from sun exposure and heat, and providing cooling PPE if applicable, is recommended.
- Prepare an Emergency Response Plan
Preparing an emergency response plan is essential. Employers should train staff to recognize heat-related illnesses and administer first aid, establish clear procedures for emergency medical assistance, and ensure rapid access to medical services. Designating emergency contacts and keeping contact information readily available for local EMS and medical providers is crucial.
- Monitor Environmental Conditions and Incidents
An essential component involves the monitoring and documentation of conditions and incidents. Employers should continuously monitor environmental conditions and employee health, especially during hot days, and maintain records of risk assessments, training sessions, incidents, and communications regarding heat safety.
Non-compliance with the new standard can result in severe penalties, including fines and potential lawsuits. This underscores the importance for employers to adopt a proactive approach to compliance by developing and implementing effective heat illness prevention strategies.
To support employers in meeting these new requirements, MOSH offers a variety of resources. These include guidelines and training materials available on the MOSH website, as well as workshops and seminars designed to assist employers in creating and maintaining effective heat illness prevention plans.
Maryland’s new heat-related illness prevention standard is a critical step towards safeguarding employees from the dangers of heat exposure. Employers are encouraged to review the standard thoroughly, implement the necessary measures, and stay informed about any updates to ensure compliance and protect their workforce.
At the national level, the urgency of implementing robust safety measures has gained significant attention with OSHA holding public hearings, that began on June 16th, on a proposed rule aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths in both outdoor and indoor workplaces. At these hearings, OSHA is proposing a draft standard that would require employers nationwide to implement comprehensive heat safety plans including hazard identification, engineering and administrative controls, employee training, and access to water, rest and cooling areas where temperatures reach certain thresholds, closely mirroring the best practices already adopted in states like Maryland.