Heat Injury and Illness Prevention - Maryland

Maryland Occupational Safety and Health’s (MOSH) adopted heat injury and illness protection regulations went into effect in September 2024 and cover both indoor and outdoor workplaces. The rule applies when workers are exposed to heat index that exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit (F).

When heat index monitoring indicates 80 degrees F, employers must:

• Develop, implement, and maintain a written heat-related illness prevention plan to which employees have access;
• Ensure newly exposed workers and those returning from 7 or more days away are properly acclimated and supervised over a 14-day period while working excessive heat;
• Establish provisions for access to free, cool drinking water; shade; and appropriate breaks when employees are exhibiting symptoms of heat illness;
• Provide annual training for employees and supervisors that includes how to recognize the hazards of heat illness and procedures to follow to minimize heat illness; and
• Provide refresher training following a suspected or confirmed heat-related incident.

Employers also must develop and enforce procedures for when the heat index reached or exceeds 90 degrees F, which includes:

• Implement employee rest periods or alternative cooling and control measures;
• Establish mandatory employee monitoring; and
• Develop an emergency response plan that includes emergency contacts, communication, response, monitoring and care, and transport.

Heat Stress

Related information

• Maryland Heat Illness Regulation
• Maryland Heat Stress Overview

Citations

• COMAR 09.12.32 Effective September 30, 2024