Proposed Maryland safety standard would mandate protections from heat

Maryland occupational safety regulators are finalizing a proposed standard that would establish minimum requirements for employers to protect workers from heat. 

The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health standard, currently in draft form, would mandate that workers be given shade access, rest and water breaks and require employers to monitor new employees during a weather acclimatization period for signs of heat-related illness.

The proposed regulation is expected to be published in late July or early August.

Similar heat standards are being considered elsewhere. In California, new heat protection safety rules went into effect Wednesday.