Maryland (MOSH)
Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH), part of the Maryland Department of Labor, runs Maryland’s state plan for most private and public employers. Maryland adopts most federal standards, and in 2024 it became one of the few states with a heat stress standard for both indoor and outdoor work.
- Construction
- General Industry
- Public employees
- Maryland
At a glance
| Agency | MOSH, Maryland Department of Labor |
|---|---|
| Covers | Most private employers and state and local government. Federal OSHA covers federal workers and some maritime work. |
| Rules | Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), Title 09, Subtitle 12 |
| Free employer help | MOSH Consultation Services and training |
Heat stress standard (COMAR 09.12.32)
In effect since September 30, 2024, the standard applies to indoor and outdoor work where employees are exposed to a heat index of 80°F or higher for more than 15 minutes in an hour. Covered employers must:
- Have a written heat illness prevention plan
- Provide enough cool drinking water and shade or cool-down areas
- Acclimatize new and returning workers
- Train workers and supervisors on heat illness
- Use high-heat procedures at a heat index of 90°F, including monitoring workers and rest breaks:
- Heat index 90°F to below 100°F: at least 10 minutes of rest every 2 hours
- Heat index 100°F and above: at least 15 minutes of rest every hour, with longer breaks at higher heat index levels
Other Maryland points
- Standards: Maryland adopts most federal construction and general industry standards in COMAR 09.12, with some Maryland additions.
- Asbestos: the Maryland Department of the Environment licenses abatement contractors. Homeowners may remove non-friable material, but friable material should be removed by a licensed contractor. See Asbestos Rules by State.
- Free help: MOSH Consultation Services offers free, confidential consultations and a recognition program for employers.
Reporting injuries
Employers must report work-related deaths within 8 hours, and in-patient hospitalizations, amputations and loss of an eye within 24 hours. Check MOSH for current procedures.
Complaints and retaliation
- File a safety complaint with MOSH online, by phone or by mail.
- Retaliation for raising safety concerns is illegal. File a discrimination complaint with MOSH within 30 days.
Note: This page is a summary. Check MOSH’s website for current rules and the heat standard’s full requirements.
Standards & references
- Maryland Occupational Safety and Health
- MOSH: Heat stress
- MOSH: Whistleblower protection
- Wages, leave and other worker rights: Maryland Worker Rights
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