Baltimore's DPW faces scrutiny for underreporting heat illnesses among workers
- The Office of the Inspector General in Baltimore discovered discrepancies in reports of heat-related illnesses among Department of Public Works employees.
- There were 26 reported cases from Risk Management, compared to only 16 cases reported by the DPW, indicating nearly 40 percent of cases were omitted.
- This underreporting raises concerns regarding the safety and health monitoring of city employees, prompting further investigations.
In Baltimore City, a report by the Office of the Inspector General revealed that the Department of Public Works (DPW) significantly underreported instances of heat-related illnesses among its employees. The investigation focused on data from January 2021 to July 25, 2024, and revealed that Risk Management had recorded 26 cases, while DPW only reported 16, suggesting that nearly 40 percent of these incidents were omitted from official records. Inspector General Isabel Cumming expressed concern that such inaccuracies could hinder multiple ongoing investigations. Further analysis indicated issues with the DPW's data management, including non-sequential spreadsheets and the removal of certain entries. This raises questions about the transparency and reliability of the DPW's health reporting practices. The report mentions severe symptoms reported by employees, such as dehydration and vomiting, reflecting the risks associated with heat exposure in their work environment. Notably, following the OIG's inquiry, a DPW employee tragically passed away from hyperthermia, further emphasizing the need for accurate reporting and workplace safety measures. In response to the findings, DPW admitted to errors in classification that led to omissions, claiming some cases were not officially deemed heat-related. They have since submitted their response to the OIG, and the matter has been referred to law enforcement, indicating potential implications for accountability and safety standards moving forward.