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County adopts heat‑stress policy after state OSHA request
Summary
Washington County commissioners adopted a heat‑stress policy applicable to employees exposed to extreme heat, responding to a request from the Maryland Department of Labor Division of Occupational and Safety.
Washington County commissioners voted 4‑0 to adopt an official heat‑stress policy for county employees after staff said the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health asked state and county agencies to formalize plans addressing heat‑stress risks.
Chip Rose, director of human resources, introduced the policy and said it applies to employees who may be exposed to extreme heat while performing work duties, “including outdoor and indoor environments where the heat exposure essentially temps over 88 degrees would occur.” Brian Evercash, the training and safety coordinator, was present to answer questions.
Why it matters: the policy creates a formal framework for managing heat exposure for employees working in hot conditions and aligns county practice with state OSHA guidance. The policy was accepted as submitted and approved by voice vote.
Ending: Staff will implement the policy through departmental safety training and monitoring; commissioners approved the adoption without amendment.
