Overview
- Baltimore’s Department of Public Works is continuing scheduled waste collection under an Extreme Heat Warning with heat indices forecast as high as 110°F
- The department’s plan requires health checks, 15-minute breaks every two hours when the heat index exceeds 90°F and 10-minute breaks every hour at 100°F
- Workers receive on-site hydration, shaded rest areas and training on heat illness symptoms as part of Maryland’s new protections
- Maryland Occupational Safety and Health cited the DPW in March for serious violations after finding employees exposed to dangerous heat and humidity
- Howard and Anne Arundel counties have moved trash collection to as early as 5 a.m. through summer months to limit crews’ heat exposure