Baltimore Calls for Improved Safety Measures Following Trash Collector’s Heatstroke Fatality
BALTIMORE – Elected officials and union leaders in Baltimore are demanding enhanced working conditions for the city’s public works employees following the tragic heatstroke death of Ronald Silver II, who collapsed while collecting trash in extreme heat last week.
Critics argue that Silver’s death sheds light on systemic issues within the agency, including a problematic workplace culture and insufficient health and safety protocols. “These men and women perform essential jobs that many would prefer to avoid,” stated Baltimore City Councilmember Antonio Glover during a press conference. “We can no longer treat our sanitation workers like the refuse they handle.”
City officials confirmed that Silver died Friday afternoon after experiencing a medical emergency while on duty when temperatures soared to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined that Silver’s death was a result of hyperthermia, ruling it accidental.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Acting Department of Public Works Director Khalil Zaied announced their commitment to investigating the incident, collaborating with medical professionals involved in the response.
Reports indicate that Silver sought assistance from a Baltimore resident on the day of his death. Witnesses described him as disoriented and in distress, having requested water for relief. This incident raises troubling questions about why his coworkers did not call for help sooner.
The Public Works Department has refrained from discussing the circumstances surrounding Silver’s death, including whether supervisors were informed of his condition earlier in the day.
Councilmember Zeke Cohen emphasized the need to honor Silver’s memory by ensuring better treatment for public works employees, stating, “He should still be alive today.”
Silver’s tragic passing has sparked urgent discussions about the safety of sanitation workers, particularly as extreme heat events increase globally. A recent inspector general report highlighted severe deficiencies in the department, revealing inadequate access to water and cooling systems for employees working in harsh conditions.
In response to these alarming findings, agency leaders have vowed to implement improvements such as maintaining cooling systems and enhancing hydration options for workers. The agency suspended trash and recycling collections to facilitate mandatory heat safety training for employees, teaching them to recognize the symptoms associated with heat-related illnesses.
Union leaders representing public works employees are calling for comprehensive reforms addressing workplace culture and safety practices. “The toxic culture within the Department of Public Works must be eradicated,” stated union president Patrick Moran. “It’s time for decisive action to rectify past oversights and ensure a safer work environment for our essential workers.”
