Working in the Heat: Know Your Rights - Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH)

Overview

Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) Heat Stress Standards apply to both indoor and outdoor workplaces where employees are exposed to a heat index at or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the heat index is 80°F or above, your employer must:

Provide at least 32 ounces of cool drinking water per hour, per employee, at no cost.
Provide access to shade.
Have a written plan for working in the heat, and train you and your supervisors on it.

When the heat index is between 90°F and 100°F, your employer must ALSO:

Regularly check in with employees and provide 10-minute rest periods every 2 hours; OR
Take alternative cooling and control measures to reduce body temperature.

When the heat index is above 100°F, your employer must:

Regularly check in with employees and provide 15-minute rest periods every hour; OR
Take alternative cooling and control measures to reduce body temperature.

Tips for Preventing Heat Illness

Drink water to stay hydrated!
- Generally, 1 cup of cool water every 20 minutes will help keep you hydrated.
Consider drinks with electrolytes for longer durations.
Avoid energy drinks and alcohol.
Take breaks in shaded or cool areas to allow your body to recover.
Dress appropriately for the heat with a hat and light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
Replace a damp or soiled face covering.
Talk to others to check in on them.
Know that everyone has different heat tolerance.
Understand personal risk factors, such as medications or health conditions, that may impact heat tolerance.
Familiarize yourself with engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment to reduce heat-related risks.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Illness

Early signs/symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Heavy sweating
- Headache
- Cramps
- Dizziness
- High pulse rate
- Nausea/vomiting
Life-threatening signs/symptoms:
- High body temperature
- Red, hot, dry skin
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Fainting

Responding to Heat Illness Emergencies

Move the person to shade
Try to cool them with ice or cold water
Call a supervisor
Call 911 if life-threatening
Do not leave them alone!

Key Requirements

Heat Index Monitoring

Your employer must monitor the heat index through direct measurements, local weather data, or the NIOSH Heat Safety Tool application.

Training

Workers and supervisors must receive training:

Before initial heat exposure;
Annually; AND
Immediately following an incident at the worksite involving a suspected or confirmed heat-related illness.

The training must be presented in a manner that employees can understand. Your employer must maintain training records for one year and provide records to MOSH upon request.

Heat-Related Illness Prevention and Management Plan

Your employer must develop, implement, and maintain a written plan. The plan should be available and accessible to you and to MOSH upon request.

Acclimatization

Your employer must provide you with acclimatization for up to 14 days if you are:

Newly exposed to heat; OR
Returning from 7 or more days of absence.

During the acclimatization period, your employer must closely monitor you through regular observation and/or communication. Your employer must put the acclimatization schedule in writing.

Shade

Your employer must provide shaded areas for your rest periods. If they are not able to provide a shaded area, they must implement alternative cooling and control methods. This may include cooling with an indoor mechanical ventilation system.

Drinking Water

Your employer must provide cool drinking water at no cost, located as close to your work area as practicable. Each worker should have at least 32 ounces of water per hour available to them.

High-Heat Procedures

When the heat index reaches or exceeds 90°F, your employer must implement high-heat procedures. This includes rest periods or alternative cooling and control measures, and mandatory monitoring. Rest periods should follow the table below or NIOSH recommendations.

Heat Index	Rest period
Between 90 and 100°F	Minimum of 10 minutes every 2 hours
Above 100°F	Minimum of 15 minutes every hour

Employers must implement an emergency response plan. The plan must include procedures for communication, response, monitoring and care, emergency contact, and transport.