The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health division of the Department of Labor finalized new heat illness prevention standards last September. The standards are aimed at protecting workers from heat-related illnesses.

The new regulations require workplaces to have plans when the heat index begins to rise above 80 degrees. They also prompt employers to ensure that workers have ample access to water and cool locations while allowing for frequent break times at high temperatures.

The Department of Labor has created a webpage with material for employers to utilize, including a model Heat Illness Prevention Plan.