In a tragic incident that occurred on August 2, 2024, Ronald Silver II, a 36-year-old sanitation worker in Baltimore, lost his life due to heatstroke while performing his duties. This event has sparked a demand for increased transparency and improved safety measures within the city's Department of Public Works.
Two years and ten days after the incident, on August 12, 2024, Silver's family held a news conference, urging the Baltimore City Council to conduct investigative hearings into the circumstances surrounding his death. The family's attorney, Thiru Vignarajah, emphasized the preventable nature of this tragedy, stating that it resulted from a failure to respect the basic dignity of sanitation workers.
Silver, who began his employment with the Department of Public Works in the fall of 2023, was earning approximately $18 per hour. He was working to support his five children and fiancée. On the day of his death, temperatures in Baltimore soared to around 100°F (38°C), prompting city officials to issue a Code Red heat advisory.
Baltimore, founded in 1729, is the most populous city in Maryland and has a complex history of labor rights movements. The city's Department of Public Works manages various essential services, including waste collection, water supply, and wastewater treatment. However, the department has faced criticism for longstanding issues, including poor working conditions and an alleged abusive culture perpetuated by supervisors.
Earlier in the summer of 2024, Baltimore's inspector general released a report highlighting inadequate access to water, ice, and cooling facilities for sanitation workers. In response, the agency promised improvements, including proper maintenance of ice machines, repairs to air conditioners in trash trucks, and the distribution of Gatorade to employees.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide workers with water, rest, and shade during hot weather. This is particularly crucial for sanitation workers, who face higher risks of heat-related illnesses due to physical exertion and exposure to outdoor conditions.
Climate change has led to an increase in extreme heat events globally, making it even more critical for cities like Baltimore to address these issues. The city has implemented various initiatives to improve urban sustainability and has a "Complete Streets" policy to enhance safety for all road users, including sanitation workers.
"We will not let the world forget Ronald Silver II. Ronnie, we miss you and love you. And by the time we're done, every worker will be safer because of the mark you have left."
The Silver family hopes that their loss will serve as a catalyst for change, ensuring that such incidents never happen again. As Baltimore continues to face challenges in waste management and climate adaptation, the tragic death of Ronald Silver II serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing worker safety in all conditions.