The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) has implemented major reforms to tackle systemic challenges, marking significant advancements in the operations of its Bureau of Solid Waste (BSW). Recognizing that employee safety is the foundation of its success, DPW conducted a comprehensive assessment of key factors—including workplace culture, safety standards, infrastructure, and training—leading to the development of a targeted action plan. With clear progress underway, DPW is sharing key updates with the public, demonstrating that its strategic approach is yielding tangible results. 

Building a Culture of Safety

DPW has introduced new measures to enhance workplace protection and safety protocols. To provide clear guidelines for protecting employees in varying environmental conditions, DPW has developed a Proposed Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP), a Cold Stress and Illness Prevention Plan, an Extreme Heat Standard Operating Procedure, an Accident Incident Notification Standard Operating Procedure, and an Extreme Cold Stress Weather Standard Operating Procedure. With these advancements in protocols, DPW renewed its focus on employee training to ensure all members of the BSW workforce understand and can apply its latest procedures. Workplace safety and employee training include the following:

Workplace Safety and Hazard Prevention

• Accident and Incident Procedures 
• Snow/Winter Preparedness 
• CPR
• Slips, Trips and Falls Training 

Compliance and Risk Management

• EEO and Retaliation
• Digital Skills
• Accountability in the Workplace includes key policies such as Substance Abuse Control, Attendance Standards, Workplace Violence, and Sexual Harassment.
• Absence Management and Grievance Procedures trainings promote fair leadership and effective personnel management
• OSHA 300 Compliance

Leadership and Employee Well-Being

• Workplace Connection and Crucial Conversation
• Leadership Pathway Program
• Trauma-Informed Care

Engaging Our Workforce

DPW Director Khalil Zaied has made a personal commitment to connect with frontline workers one-on-one. “The importance of hearing directly from our Solid Waste workforce is imperative. The insights gained from their first-hand experiences have shaped our approach and ensured that our pathway forward is an inclusive one. Encouraging avenues for communication guarantees our Solid Waste workers have a meaningful voice in shaping decisions.” To support this effort, the Acting Bureau Head has initiated monthly Employee and Management Committee meetings, designed to foster open communication between employees and management.

We’re also improving how we track employee feedback. DPW conducted a PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Survey among BSW workers. A total of 169 employees participated, 76.9% reported no issues with the PPE provided, 72.8% felt adequately trained on how to use their PPE, and 78.8% stated they had not encountered recent safety concerns or hazards.

Infrastructure Investments for Long-Term Improvement
DPW is also focused on long-term infrastructure investments that will support its workforce and enhance operational efficiency. The City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) has allocated over $20 million for essential upgrades at the Bureau of Solid Waste facilities. These improvements will not only address immediate health and safety concerns but also modernize operations to ensure a more sustainable future for Baltimore's sanitation services.

• Reedbird Sanitation Yard (Western Sanitation Yard): $10 million in funding for renovations, including an upgraded administration building, a new staff facility, and a truck wash bay.
• Kane Street Sanitation Yard (Southeast Sanitation Yard): $7.8 million for improvements to office spaces, break rooms, ADA-compliant bathrooms, and the addition of electric vehicle (EV) chargers for a more sustainable fleet.
• Bowleys Lane Sanitation Yard (Eastern Sanitation Yard): $29 million in funding to renovate locker rooms, add a lactation room, improve Residential Recycling and Drop-Off Center, and add a new compost facility. Funding for this is a combination of CIP funds across multiple years and ARPA funding.

Additionally, $3.2 million has been allocated for health and safety upgrades across all three sanitation yards to further improve working conditions for DPW employees.

Meanwhile, DPW will continue to take steps to correct any safety conditions that workers encounter at any Solid Waste facilities. 

Ongoing Commitment to Progress

DPW’s comprehensive improvements in workforce safety, organizational culture, and infrastructure signify a significant step toward creating a safer, more efficient, and supportive environment for all employees. Through ongoing collaboration with the OIG, unions, and frontline workers, DPW is committed to a continuous process of improvement, ensuring that Baltimore residents receive the high-quality services they deserve. 

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