Md. SHA implements new heat safety protocols

MARYLAND. – Thursday marked the hottest day of the year, and with crews outside working on construction, new protocols are in place to keep them safe.

Back in September, Maryland’s State Highway Administration implemented new regulations, like enforcing more breaks when workers are exposed to a heat index above 90 degrees and providing ready access to drinking water at all times.

Joshua Parker with the Maryland Department Of Transportation said these added measures help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

“Everybody knows it’s hot, it’s summertime, a lot of people might not understand they’re on the side of the road; they might be tired, they might be getting a little bit of heat related illnesses, and stuff like that,” said Parker.

A typical 8-hour shift in the sun can easily lead to heat exhaustion. That’s why Mark Crampton with the State Highway Administration said these new rules are so important, because they prioritize the safety of roadside workers.

“If we can’t look out for our workforce, they’re not going to want to stay out in those conditions,” said Crampton.

“It’s physically demanding. If someone has a problem, we’re not going to get the work done, so we always have to be mindful of the most critical resource that we have, and that’s our people,” he added.