The recent death of Ronald Silver, a Baltimore Department of Public Works (DPW) employee, has ignited a fierce debate about worker safety and workplace culture within the department. Silver collapsed from extreme heat exhaustion while on duty, prompting a city-wide halt to trash collections and mandatory heat safety training for all DPW workers.
The incident occurred last Friday when Silver, overwhelmed by triple-digit temperatures, sought help at Gabrielle Avendano’s doorstep before losing consciousness. Avendano expressed dismay that Silver had to struggle alone, without apparent assistance from coworkers or supervisors.
Long-time sanitation workers like Stancil McNair and Jorrel Dunn criticize the timing of these safety measures, arguing that such precautions should have been implemented years ago. Their sentiments echo a larger concern about DPW’s workplace culture, which has been described as toxic by union leadership.
Baltimore City Councilman Zeke Cohen, along with two other council members and DPW union leaders, have issued a list of demands to improve workplace safety. These include:
- A series of hearings with DPW before the city council
- Funding for a full-time Inspector General to investigate DPW’s working conditions
- Workplace culture training for DPW staff and supervisors
Patrick Moran, President of AFSCME Maryland Council 3, emphasized the need to address the “hazing, intimidation, and bullying” within DPW. Workers like Dunn have reported facing repercussions for requesting breaks or reporting injuries.
The situation is now under investigation by the state, Baltimore Police Department, and Inspector General Isabel Cumming, who stresses that the issue goes beyond providing water and Gatorade to workers – it’s about fundamentally changing the department’s culture.
Mayor Brandon Scott has pledged to work with DPW advocates to address their concerns, though he hasn’t explicitly committed to the demanded actions. As the city grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those who serve Baltimore’s residents daily.