Baltimore Council Investigates Worker Death at DPW

The Baltimore City Council will hold a hearing on Thursday to investigate the working conditions at the Department of Public Works (DPW) following the death of 36-year-old sanitation worker Ronald Silver, who died from hyperthermia while on the job during a heat wave. Council members, including Zeke Cohen, will question DPW leadership and hear from Silver's family and other workers about the department's practices and protocols. Concerns have been raised regarding the DPW's workplace culture, with union leaders labeling the conditions as 'unsafe' and previous reports from the Office of Inspector General describing them as 'dangerous'. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has announced that an independent investigation will be conducted by a Washington D.C. law firm, despite criticism about the choice of investigator. Additionally, Maryland's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also looking into the circumstances surrounding Silver's death. The hearing aims to address these issues and promote changes to enhance worker safety.