Effort Reaffirms Commitment to Changing the City's Workplace Culture and Improving Safety Best Practices

BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, August 16, 2024) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Khalil Zaied, Acting Director of the Department of Public Works, announced that the City of Baltimore has hired Conn Maciel Carey LLP, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm specializing in workplace safety, to conduct a thorough review of DPW's safety policies, practices, and procedures, specifically as they pertain to heat safety. The firm began work this week, with a final set of recommendations expected by the end of September.

This independent review process will generate recommendations that, once implemented, will enhance the health, safety, and welfare of all City employees. Once the firm's review is completed, the City is committed to publicly sharing their findings and recommendations.

"We have said from the start that we will work with everyone - the union, the City Council, the Silver family, and rank-and-file DPW employees - to address the concerns and ensure they know they are fully backed by this administration," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "The insights from this additional outside review of DPW's workplace safety practices will play a critical role in strengthening safety standards and best practices across all City agencies. Together, we will ensure that all City workers and their families can have the peace of mind knowing that nothing is more important than the safety of the frontline public servants who make our city run."

"Transforming workplace culture is my top priority," said Acting Director Zaied. "My mission is to ensure that every staff member and every resident we serve feels heard and valued. This means critically examining our policies and practices to guarantee that our workforce is safe as they dedicate themselves to serving the City of Baltimore."

The findings from this review will support the department's efforts to develop a comprehensive occupational health and safety program to protect DPW employees. The City has invited stakeholders, including the labor unions representing City workers, to meet with the firm conducting DPW's workplace safety review. In addition, DPW leaders have informed the family of Ronald Silver II, a dedicated Bureau of Solid Waste crew member who tragically passed away near the conclusion of his work day on August 2nd, of the firm's workplace safety review and discussed the process with them. DPW will maintain consistent contact with the family and all relevant stakeholders as the review moves forward.