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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

MD Labor Dept. finalizing new heat stress standard for workers

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Monday, March 18, 2024   

With hotter summers bringing hotter working conditions, the Maryland Department of Labor is implementing a heat stress standard to protect workers but workers' advocates said it falls short on specifics.

In 2020, the Legislature directed the Labor Department to establish new heat stress protections for workers. A draft standard was released in January for indoor or outdoor work environments when the heat index is above 80 degrees.

Darryl Alexander, adviser for the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, said the plan does not establish specifics for monitoring.

"They ought to be required to say how they're going to monitor the workplace for changes in temperature, humidity, heat index," Alexander asserted. "The way they require to monitor the workplace for noise, or chemicals or anything else - that, in their written plans, they have to say how they're going to do it."

Alexander argued ideally, employers would be required to use what's known as a "wet bulb globe temperature meter," which monitors the heat index as well as measuring radiant heat from sources such as ovens or sunlight.

The draft standard requires employers to put an effective heat illness prevention and management plan in writing and provide workers annual heat stress training. When the heat index reaches 90, it requires employers to consider the effects of personal protective equipment on heat stress but there are no specifics on how to do it.

Scott Schneider, another adviser for the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, said how hard you are working and what you are wearing can both contribute to heat stress.

"If you're working and you're wearing impermeable clothing; like you're wearing, like a Tyvek suit, like you're doing asbestos abatement, or if you're out in the fields and you have protective clothing to protect you from pesticide use; that clothing can prevent you from sweating," Schneider noted. "That also will increase your heat stress risk."

He added when calculating heat stress risk, there are methods to account for protective clothing or harder work. He thinks the standard should include specifics on both. The Department of Labor is expected to have the plan finalized by this summer.


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