<section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-101" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Labor and Industry.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Employee” means, except as provided in § 5–401 of this title, an individual whom an employer employs, for a wage or other compensation, in the business of the employer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Employee” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an individual whom a public body employs;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an individual who is licensed as a taxicab driver and leases or rents a taxicab from a person who operates or owns a taxicab business in Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an individual who is employed for part–time or temporary help by a public body or person who engages in a business that directly employs individuals to provide part–time or temporary help to another public body or person; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>an individual who performs work for a public body or person to whom the individual is provided by another public body or person who engages in a business that directly employs individuals to provide part–time or temporary help.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Employer” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>except as provided in § 5–401 of this title, a person who is engaged in commerce, industry, trade, or other business in the State and employs at least one employee in that business; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a public body.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Employer” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a person who operates or owns a taxicab business in Baltimore City and leases or rents a taxicab to a licensed taxicab driver, to provide services to the public;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a public body or person who engages in a business that directly employs individuals to provide part–time or temporary help to another public body or person; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a public body or person who contracts directly with another public body or person who engages in a business that directly employs individuals to provide part–time or temporary help to another public body or person.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Occupational safety and health standard” means a regulation that requires:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a condition that is reasonably appropriate or necessary to make employment and places of employment safe and healthful; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the adoption or use of a means, method, operation, practice, or process that is reasonably appropriate or necessary to make employment and places of employment safe and healthful.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Person” includes a successor.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Place of employment” means a place in or about which an employee is allowed to work.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Public body” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a governmental unit;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a public or quasi–public corporation of the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a school district in the State or any unit of the district; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a special district in the State or any unit of the district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>“Workplace violence” means an act of violence or a threat of violence that occurs at a place of employment and that is not a lawful act of self–defense or defense of another person.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Workplace violence” includes, regardless of whether the employee is physically or psychologically injured:</text> <level label="i"> <text>using or threatening to use physical force against an employee; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an incident involving the use of or threatening the use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-102" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>personal injuries and illnesses that arise out of conditions of employment substantially burden employers and employees in terms of lost production, medical expenses, disability compensation payments, and lost wages;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the prevention of these injuries and illnesses is in the best interest and welfare of the people and the State; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>public bodies should be leaders in creating and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purposes of this title are to ensure, to the extent practicable, that each working individual in the State has working conditions that are safe and healthful and to preserve human resources by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>providing that employers and employees have separate but dependent responsibilities and rights with respect to making working conditions safe and healthful;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>providing for the development and adoption of occupational safety and health standards, including standards that address workplace violence;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>providing for training and other education of personnel so that occupational safety and health standards are administered fairly and efficiently;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>providing an effective compliance and enforcement program under this title;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>encouraging employers and employees to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>reduce the number of occupational health and safety hazards at their places of employment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>create or improve programs to make working conditions safe and healthful;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>encouraging joint efforts of labor and management to reduce diseases and injuries that arise out of employment;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>building on advances already made through the initiatives of employers and employees to make working conditions safe and healthful;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>developing innovative approaches, methods, and techniques to deal with occupational safety and health problems;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>providing for research in the field of occupational safety and health;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>conducting research on occupational health problems, including research to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>identify causal connections between diseases and work in environmental conditions; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>explore ways to discover latent diseases;</text> </level> </level> <level label="11"> <text>providing medical criteria to ensure, to the extent practicable, that work does not diminish the functional capacity, health, or life expectancy of an employee;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>providing for reporting procedures on occupational safety and health that are appropriate to help to achieve the purposes of this title and to describe accurately the nature of occupational safety and health problems;</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>providing for the dissemination of information about health and safety hazards posed by toxic and hazardous substances to which workers are exposed;</text> </level> <level label="14"> <text>requiring employers to educate employees who work with hazardous substances about the hazards of the substances and about safe procedures;</text> </level> <level label="15"> <text>requiring employers to give information to public bodies that are charged with fire protection, to protect the health and safety of firefighters and the public;</text> </level> <level label="16"> <text>providing information and incentives for employers and employees to make ridesharing arrangements; and</text> </level> <level label="17"> <text>making workplaces of public bodies safer and more healthful by requiring:</text> <level label="i"> <text>public bodies to create or improve programs and plans related to workplace violence;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>that workplaces of public bodies be inspected regularly; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>that workplaces of public bodies be maintained so that employees are provided places of employment that are safe, healthy, and productive over the course of their careers.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-103" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this title applies to the working conditions at each work place in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This title does not apply to a working condition of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an employee of the federal government or its units; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an employee whose occupational safety and health is protected under:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-104" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Each employer shall provide each employee of the employer with employment and a place of employment that are:</text> <level label="1"> <text>safe and healthful; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>free from each recognized hazard that is causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to the employee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Each employer shall comply with this title, each applicable regulation that the Commissioner adopts to carry out this title, and each applicable order that the Commissioner passes under this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each employee shall comply with this title and, when applicable to the employee’s actions and conduct in the course of employment, each regulation that the Commissioner passes under this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Each employer shall keep its employees informed of their protections and duties under this title, including each applicable occupational safety and health standard, by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>posting notice where notices to employees normally are posted; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>using other appropriate means.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to the requirements under paragraph (1) of this subsection, each public body annually shall make available to each of its employees a copy of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the report issued by the Commissioner under § 5–206(f) of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>citations issued by the Commissioner to the public body in the immediately preceding year, if any.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-201" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <text>The Commissioner shall have the power and authority to administer and enforce this title.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-202" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner may delegate to the assistant commissioner for occupational safety and health any duty or function of the Commissioner under this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commissioner may enter into a written agreement with a public body to delegate any power of inspection under this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An agreement under this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>specify the procedure to be used in an inspection under the agreement;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>enable the Commissioner to monitor an inspection power under the agreement; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>enable the Commissioner to revoke the agreement at any time.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-203" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>To inspect excavation work for the Commissioner, the Commissioner may deputize an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is employed by a county, a municipal corporation, or the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission or other similar authority;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has the approval of the chief of the unit for which the employee works; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>has attended a training course that the Division of Labor and Industry conducts and, on completion of the course, has passed an examination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual deputized under subsection (a) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may inspect excavation work only in the county, municipal corporation, or other jurisdiction of any other authority that employs the individual;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has the authority of a safety inspector of the Division of Labor and Industry; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>shall report to the Commissioner on each action related to an inspection under this section, on a form that the Commissioner provides.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-204" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The proposed budget of the Division of Labor and Industry shall include an appropriation from the Workers’ Compensation Commission to cover the cost of administering this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Workers’ Compensation Commission shall pay the cost of administering this title from money that the Commission receives under § 9-316 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commissioner shall have the power and authority to receive and accept any grant of money from the federal government or any of its agents or units that Congress appropriates under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-205" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>To carry out a duty or exercise a power under this title, the Commissioner or authorized representative of the Commissioner may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>administer oaths;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>certify to an official act; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>depose witnesses.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>To administer or enforce this title, the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner may issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness to testify or the production of books, documents, papers, and records.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a person fails to comply with a subpoena issued under this subsection or fails to testify on any matter on which the person lawfully may be interrogated, on a complaint filed by the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner, the circuit court for the county where the person resides or is then present may pass an order directing compliance with the subpoena or compelling testimony.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>After consultation with other appropriate units, the Commissioner shall conduct:</text> <level label="1"> <text>education programs to provide an adequate supply of qualified personnel to carry out this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>informal programs on the importance of and proper use of adequate safety and health equipment; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>training programs of personnel engaged in work related to the responsibilities of the Commissioner under this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commissioner shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide for establishment and supervision of programs for the education and training of employers and employees in the recognition, avoidance and prevention of unsafe or unhealthful working conditions in employment covered by this title; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>consult with and advise employers and employees and organizations representing employers and employees about effective means to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>After consultation with other appropriate units, the Commissioner shall conduct demonstrations, experiments, and research that relate to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>occupational safety and health; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>innovative approaches, methods, and techniques to deal with occupational safety and health problems.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>On the basis of demonstrations, experiments, research, and other available information, the Commissioner shall develop criteria for exposure to toxic materials and harmful physical agents at levels that are safe for various periods of employment, including levels at which no employee will suffer impaired health or functional capacity or diminished life expectancy as a result of work experience.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Commissioner shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>develop and maintain an effective program of collection, compilation, and analysis of occupational safety and health statistics; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>compile accurate statistics on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>work–related illnesses that are disabling, serious, or significant; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>work–related injuries, whether or not involving loss of time from work, other than minor injuries that require only first aid treatment and do not involve loss of consciousness, medical treatment, restriction of motion or work, or transfer to another job.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>With the consent of a public body, the Commissioner may use an employee, facility, or service of the public body, with or without reimbursement, to help the Commissioner carry out a function under this title.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commissioner shall inspect, investigate, and review work practices and work sites of each employer and industry for evidence of excessive safety violations based on information made available by the Workers’ Compensation Commission under § 9–707 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If evidence of an excessive safety violation is found, the Commissioner shall seek appropriate relief under Subtitle 8 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Commissioner shall submit to the General Assembly an annual report of investigations under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="j"> <text>Whenever the Commissioner has reason to believe that a person has violated any provision of this title for which criminal prosecution is provided, the Commissioner shall refer the alleged violation to the State’s Attorney of the county where the violation allegedly occurred or the person resides.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>The Commissioner shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>assist employers in carrying out their responsibilities under this title; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>recommend and suggest to employers and groups of employers methods and procedures to develop safety programs to carry out those responsibilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>On behalf of the Commissioner, the Safety Engineering and Education Service shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>investigate and analyze the causes of industrial and occupational accidents; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>plan and conduct courses and programs that the service designs to reduce accidents.</text> </level> </level> <level label="m"> <text>In addition to any duties set forth elsewhere, each safety inspector shall be responsible for enforcement of safety codes in construction and any other hazardous industry in the State.</text> </level> <level label="n"> <text>In addition to any other authority the Commissioner may exercise under this title, if, as a result of the exercise of the Commissioner’s authority under the provisions of this title, the Commissioner has reason to believe that a health care provider required under the Health Occupations Article to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines on universal precautions is not complying with those provisions, the Commissioner shall refer that suspected violation to the health care provider’s licensing board.</text> </level> <level label="o"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to any other authority the Commissioner may exercise under this title, if, as a result of the exercise of the Commissioner’s authority under the provisions of this title, the Commissioner has reason to believe that an employee or member of the medical staff involved in patient care services of the hospital, related institution, freestanding medical facility, or freestanding birthing center is not complying with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines on universal precautions, the Commissioner shall refer that suspected violation to the chief executive officer of the hospital, related institution, freestanding medical facility, or freestanding birthing center.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to any other authority the Commissioner may exercise under this title, if, as a result of the exercise of the Commissioner’s authority under the provisions of this title, the Commissioner has reasons to believe that a hospital, related institution, freestanding medical facility, or freestanding birthing center is demonstrating a willful and systematic disregard for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines on universal precautions, the Commissioner shall refer that suspected violation to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Maryland Department of Health; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the chief executive officer of the hospital, related institution, freestanding medical facility, or freestanding birthing center.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="p"> <text>In addition to any other authority the Commissioner may exercise under this title, the Commissioner shall enforce §§ 3–1603, 3–1605, and 3–1607 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-206" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Unit” means the Public Employees’ Safety and Health Unit.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Public Employees’ Safety and Health Unit in the Division of Labor and Industry.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commissioner shall be the head of the Unit.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commissioner shall provide for and maintain a comprehensive and effective program on occupational safety and health for employees of public bodies that is administered and enforced by the Unit.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The program under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be generally consistent with this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>require each public body to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>provide conditions and places of employment that are safe and healthful;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>develop, conduct, and maintain in each unit of the public body a program of self–inspection that the Commissioner approves and monitors;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>keep and make available to the Commissioner each record that the Commissioner requires under this title and for development of information about occupational accidents, illnesses, and injuries, to allow proper evaluation and necessary corrective action; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>submit each report that the Commissioner requires; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>in addition to a self–inspection required under item (2)(ii) of this subsection, include an inspection program developed, conducted, and maintained by the Unit that otherwise complies with the inspection requirements of § 5–208 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, on or before July 1 each year the Commissioner shall publish online a written report on safety and health in public bodies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The report under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a summary of the work and findings of the Unit;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a summary of any new regulations adopted during the immediately preceding year;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a summary of trending safety and health issues related to employees of public bodies; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a list of any:</text> <level label="1"> <text>hazardous workplace circumstances found at the workplaces of public bodies during the immediately preceding year; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>citations issued to public bodies during the immediately preceding year.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On or before July 1 each year, the Commissioner shall submit the report required to be published under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>This section does not limit or preclude the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner from inspecting a public body in accordance with any other provision under this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-207" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>On request of the Commissioner, the Attorney General may proceed in a State or federal court or before any other federal unit:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to enforce a decision of the Commissioner under this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>subject to § 3–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, to collect a civil penalty that is assessed by order of the Commissioner under this title; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>to enforce any other order of the Commissioner under this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the request under subsection (a) of this section concerns a public body, the Attorney General shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide notice of the request to all affected employees of the public body and any employee representatives; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide notice of the request to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Delegates.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-208" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner or authorized representative of the Commissioner may enter a place of employment where work is performed, without delay at any reasonable time, to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>inspect the place of employment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>investigate all pertinent apparatus, conditions, devices, equipment, materials, and structures at the place of employment; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>question privately an agent, employee, or employer.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to any regulation that the Commissioner adopts to carry out this title, a representative chosen by employees and a representative of the employer shall be given an opportunity to accompany the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner during an inspection under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If there is no authorized employee representative, the Commissioner shall consult with a reasonable number of employees about safety and health in the place of employment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Before or during an inspection, an employee or authorized representative of employees in a place of employment or authorized representative of the Commissioner may give the Commissioner written notice of any violation of this title that the employee or representative has reason to believe exists at the place of employment of the employee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commissioner shall set, by regulation, procedures for informal review of any refusal to issue a citation on the basis of notice under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If an employee or authorized representative of employees asks for informal review under this subsection, the Commissioner shall give the employee or representative a written statement of the reasons for the final disposition.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-209" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>An employee or authorized representative of employees may request inspection of a place of employment if the employee or representative believes, in good faith, that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>there is imminent danger to an employee; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>due to a violation of an occupational safety and health standard, there is a threat of physical harm to an employee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To request an inspection, an employee or representative shall sign and submit to the Commissioner or authorized representative of the Commissioner a written notice that describes, with reasonable particularity, the grounds for the notice.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On receipt of a notice made in accordance with this section, the Commissioner shall determine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that imminent danger or a threat exists.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Commissioner determines that there are reasonable grounds, the Commissioner shall conduct an inspection as soon as practical to determine whether the danger or threat exists.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Commissioner determines that there are no reasonable grounds, the Commissioner shall give the person who submitted the request written notice of that determination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commissioner shall give the employer whose place of employment is to be inspected or an agent of the employer a copy of the notice that requested the inspection, no later than at the time of the inspection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On request of the person who submits a notice, the name of the person and the name of each employee to whom the notice refers shall be omitted from the copy of the notice to be given to the employer and from each other record to be disclosed under this title.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-210" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “apparatus” means any apparatus, device, machinery, or mechanical equipment.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner may prohibit use of any apparatus, if, after an inspection, the Commissioner or authorized representative of the Commissioner determines that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the apparatus or part of the apparatus violates an occupational safety and health standard; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from continued use.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To prohibit use of any apparatus or part of any apparatus, the Commissioner or authorized representative of the Commissioner shall give an employer or the agent in charge of such operation written notice that prohibits use.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A copy of a notice under subsection (c) of this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall be attached to the apparatus; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>may not be removed until the apparatus is made safe and each required safeguard is provided.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Use of any apparatus is prohibited while a notice under this section is posted on the apparatus.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Commissioner under this section may bring an action to modify or vacate the decision on the ground that it is unlawful or unreasonable.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An action under this subsection shall be brought in the circuit court for the county where the place of employment is located.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In a proceeding under this subsection, a court may not stay an order of the Commissioner unless:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the court gives the Commissioner notice and an opportunity for a hearing; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the aggrieved person posts security or meets each other condition that the court considers proper.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-211" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>Whenever an individual who is authorized to inspect property in the State is denied access after the individual makes a proper request to the owner, lessee, or other person in charge of the property, the individual may apply to the District Court for an administrative search warrant under this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each application under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>state the nature, purpose, and scope of the inspection; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>show that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is authorized by law to inspect the property to which access was denied; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>requested access at a reasonable time;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>access was denied; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the inspection is for a purpose related to safety or health.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An application may not be submitted to the District Court unless approved by the Attorney General.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner applies for an administrative search warrant under subsection (a) of this section, the Attorney General shall prioritize and expedite review of the application.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On application in accordance with this section, the District Court may issue an administrative search warrant.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-212" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if after an inspection or investigation, the Commissioner or authorized representative of the Commissioner is of the opinion that an employer has violated a duty under this title or an order passed under this title or an occupational safety and health standard or other regulation adopted to carry out this title, the Commissioner or authorized representative shall issue a citation to the employer with reasonable promptness, not to exceed the earlier of 90 days from the date of the closing conference on the inspection or investigation or 6 months from the occurrence of the violation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the incident investigated by the Commissioner involves a fatality or serious physical harm, the Commissioner shall issue a citation with reasonable promptness, not to exceed 6 months from occurrence of the violation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If an employer to whom a citation is issued is a unit of the State government, the Commissioner or authorized representative shall send a copy of the citation to the secretary of the principal department to which the unit is assigned or, if the unit is not part of a principal department, the head of the unit.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If an employer to whom a citation is issued is a public body other than a unit of the State government, the Commissioner or authorized representative shall send a copy of the citation to the chief executive officer of the public body and any legislative body that has oversight of the public body.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each citation under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be in writing;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>describe, with particularity, the nature of the alleged violation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>reference the provision of this title, order, or occupational safety and health standard or other regulation that the employer is alleged to have violated; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>set a reasonable period for abatement and correction of the alleged violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In accordance with any regulation that the Commissioner adopts to carry out this title, an employer who is issued a citation shall post the citation or a copy of it conspicuously at or near each place where the citation alleges a violation occurred.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In addition to the posting requirement under paragraph (1) of this subsection, a public body that is issued a citation shall make available a copy of the citation to all affected employees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commissioner may establish, by regulation, procedures for issuance of a notice instead of a citation for a de minimis violation that has no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-213" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>Within a reasonable time after issuance of a citation under § 5-212 of this subtitle to an employer, the Commissioner shall send by certified mail to the employer a notice that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>states the civil penalty, if any, that the Commissioner proposes to assess under this title; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>informs the employer that, within 15 work days after receipt of the notice, the employer may submit to the Commissioner a written notice of contest on the citation or civil penalty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A citation and any penalty that the Commissioner proposes to assess shall be considered a final order of the Commissioner unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>within 15 work days after receipt of a notice under subsection (a) of this section the employer notifies the Commissioner of an intent to contest the citation or any penalty; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>within 15 work days after issuance of a citation, an employee or representative of an employee submits a written notice to the Commissioner that alleges that the period of time set in the citation for abatement of the violation is unreasonable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An employer shall correct each violation for which the Commissioner issues a citation within the period set for correction in a final order under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the request of an employer for a hearing is made in good faith and not solely to delay or avoid payment of a penalty, the period for correction begins on the day when the order passed as a result of the hearing becomes final.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the Commissioner has reason to believe that an employer has failed to correct a violation within the time allowed, the Commissioner shall send by certified mail to the employer a notice that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>states that the employer has failed to correct the violation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>states the civil penalty, if any, that the Commissioner intends to assess under this title for the failure; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>informs the employer that, within 15 work days after receipt of the notice, the employer may submit to the Commissioner a notice of contest on the notice or civil penalty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Unless an employer notifies the Commissioner of an intent to contest as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the notice, including any civil penalty, is a final order.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-214" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner shall grant a hearing, if practicable, within 30 days after receipt of a notice that an employer or employee or representative of an employee submits under § 5-213 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An employee whom a hearing under this section affects or a representative of the employee may participate as a party in a hearing under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commissioner shall give notice and hold a hearing under this subtitle in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An employer may choose whether a hearing under this section is to be held in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Baltimore City;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the county where the violation allegedly occurred, in an office that the county provides; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an office that the Commissioner has designated as a regional office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The employer shall indicate the choice in the request for a hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>When the Commissioner appoints a hearing examiner to hold a hearing under this section, the examiner shall prepare a record that includes testimony.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A report that a hearing examiner submits shall become a final order of the Commissioner unless, within 15 work days after submission of the report:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Commissioner orders a review of the proceeding; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an employee, representative of an employee, or employer whom the report affects submits to the Commissioner a written request for a review of the proceeding.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>After review of a proceeding under subsection (e) of this section, with or without a hearing, the Commissioner shall pass an order that, on the bases of findings of fact, affirms, modifies, or vacates the citation or proposed penalty or directs other appropriate relief.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An order of the Commissioner under paragraph (1) of this subsection is final 15 days after passage of the order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>After an opportunity for a hearing under this section, the Commissioner may pass an order that affirms or modifies a requirement of a citation for abatement of a violation if an employer shows that the employer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>made a good faith effort to comply with the requirement; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has not complied because of a factor beyond the reasonable control of the employer.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-215" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A person adversely affected or aggrieved by any order that the Commissioner passes under this title or any regulation that the Commissioner adopts to carry out this title may file a complaint within 30 days after issuance of the order or regulation to have it modified or set aside.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A complaint filed under this subsection shall be filed in the circuit court for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Baltimore City; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the county where:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the employer has its principal office; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the violation allegedly occurred.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A copy of the complaint shall be served on the Commissioner and other affected parties.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In a proceeding under this section, a court may not stay an order or regulation of the Commissioner unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the court gives the Commissioner notice and an opportunity for a hearing; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the aggrieved person posts security and meets each other condition that the court considers proper.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The court shall determine whether an order that the Commissioner passes under this title or regulation that the Commissioner adopts to carry out this title is in accordance with law.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a finding of the Commissioner on a question of fact is supported by substantial evidence, the finding is conclusive.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A regulation that the Commissioner adopts to carry out this title:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall be deemed prima facie lawful and reasonable; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>may not be held invalid because of a technical defect if there is substantial compliance with this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>At any appropriate time, the Commissioner may file a complaint to enforce any order that the Commissioner passes under this title or regulation that the Commissioner adopts to carry out this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A complaint filed under this subsection shall be filed in the circuit court for the county where:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the alleged violation occurred; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the employer has its principal office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To the extent practicable, subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section shall govern proceedings under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A court shall hear a complaint under this section expeditiously.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-216" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>If an authorized representative of the Commissioner concludes that a condition or practice at a place of employment creates an imminent danger that reasonably could be expected to cause death or serious physical harm to an employee, the authorized representative:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall give the employer and each employee whom the danger affects notice of the danger; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may recommend to the Commissioner that the Commissioner seek to enjoin the condition or practice.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On a complaint filed by the Commissioner, a circuit court:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may enjoin a condition or practice at a place of employment if the condition or practice creates an imminent danger that reasonably could be expected to cause death or serious physical harm to an employee; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>pending the outcome of enforcement procedures under this title, may grant an injunction or temporary restraining order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A temporary restraining order that is passed without notice may not be in effect for more than 7 days.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An injunction under this subsection may require each act needed to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>avoid, correct, or remove the imminent danger; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>prohibit the employment or presence of any individual, in a location or under a condition where the imminent danger exists, other than an individual who needs to be present to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>remove the imminent danger;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>maintain the capacity of a continuous process operation in order to resume normal operations without stopping operation completely; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>where operations must be stopped, stop an operation in an orderly and safe manner.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Commissioner arbitrarily or capriciously fails to seek relief under this section, on a complaint filed by or for an employee who may be injured as a result of the failure, a circuit court may pass a writ of mandamus to compel the Commissioner to seek the relief and grant other appropriate relief.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An action under this subsection shall be brought in the circuit court for the county where the alleged imminent danger exists.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-217" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Administration and Enforcement"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “trade secret” means a device, formula, pattern or compilation of information that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is used in the business of an employer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>gives the employer an opportunity to obtain an advantage over a competitor; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is known only to the employer and any employee to whom the employer needs to confide the information.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, information that contains or might reveal a trade secret and is obtained by the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner in connection with an inspection or proceeding under this title is confidential.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commissioner may disclose information that contains or might reveal a trade secret to staff who are assigned to carry out this title.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In a proceeding under this title, the Commissioner may disclose information that contains or might reveal a trade secret and is relevant if, before disclosure:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the court that is conducting the proceeding passes an order that is appropriate to protect the confidentiality of the trade secret; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in a proceeding before the Commissioner or authorized representative of the Commissioner, the Commissioner or representative does so.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-301" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <text>In this subtitle, “Board” means the Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-302" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <text>There is an Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board in the Maryland Department of Labor.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-303" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of the following 12 members:</text> <level label="i"> <text>as an ex officio member, the Commissioner; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>11 voting members appointed by the Commissioner with the approval of the Secretary of Labor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Of the 11 appointed members of the Board:</text> <level label="i"> <text>1 shall represent agriculture and be recommended by the Secretary of Agriculture;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>1 shall represent businesses that the Public Service Commission regulates and shall be recommended by the Chairman of the Commission;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>2 shall represent health professions and be recommended by the Secretary of Health;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>2 shall represent industry;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>2 shall represent labor; and</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>3 shall represent the public.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each appointed member shall be chosen on the basis of competence and experience in the field of occupational safety and health.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of an appointed member is 6 years and begins on July 1.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on October 1, 1991.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Governor may remove a member for incompetence or misconduct.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-304" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <text>From among the public members of the Board, the Commissioner shall appoint a chairman.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-305" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner may not vote.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall determine the times and places of its meetings.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each appointed member of the Board is entitled to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>compensation in accordance with the State budget; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-306" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <text>Subject to the evaluation and reestablishment provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act, this Part I of this subtitle shall terminate on July 1, 2034.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-308" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Board shall advise, consult with, propose, and recommend to the Commissioner reasonable regulations:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to prevent conditions that are detrimental to safety and health in each employment or place of employment in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that the Board finds are necessary to protect and to improve the safety and health of employees on the basis of circumstantial evidence and information that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is developed by the Commissioner;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is available to the Commissioner; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>is submitted by an interested person to the Board at a public hearing held under § 5–310(d) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To carry out the requirements of subsection (a) of this section with respect to public bodies, the Board shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>give specific consideration to the workplace conditions and safety and health concerns of employees; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>recommend higher standards, if warranted.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-308.1" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner, in consultation with the Secretary of Health, shall adopt regulations to implement the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard adopted by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 29 C.F.R. 1910.1030, as interpreted in the directive issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on November 5, 1999.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commissioner shall submit notice regarding any modifications made to, or directives issued interpreting, the federal Bloodborne Pathogen Standard after November 5, 1999 and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, make recommendations for any legislative changes to the House Health Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the General Assembly within 30 days of the issuance of modifications to the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-309" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>The Board shall propose or recommend occupational safety and health standards that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>are or will be at least as effective in providing safe and healthful employment and places of employment as any standard adopted under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>will not put an undue burden on interstate commerce when:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a local condition or customized product or part requires the application of an occupational safety and health standard that differs from a federal standard; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>applied to a product or part that is distributed or used in interstate commerce.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board shall include in each occupational safety and health standard that it proposes or recommends:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a requirement for the use of a label or other appropriate form of warning as necessary to ensure that each employee is apprised of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>each hazard to which the employee is exposed;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>each relevant symptom of exposure;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>emergency treatment appropriate for exposure; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>each proper condition and precaution for safe use or exposure;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>when appropriate in connection with a hazard, a requirement for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>use of suitable protective equipment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>control of technological procedures; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>as necessary to protect employees, a requirement to measure or monitor exposure of employees to a hazard:</text> <level label="i"> <text>at appropriate intervals;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>at each appropriate location; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>in an appropriate manner.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>To develop occupational safety and health standards about toxic materials or harmful physical agents, the Board shall propose or recommend occupational safety and health standards that most adequately ensure, to the extent feasible on the basis of the best available evidence, that no employee, including an employee who has regular exposure to toxic materials or harmful physical agents during the working life of the employee will suffer material impairment of health or functional capacity.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>To the extent practicable, the Board shall express each proposed occupational safety and health standard under this subsection in terms of objective criteria and desired performance.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-310" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board may ask for and the Commissioner may provide technical or other information that may help the Board to determine the need for a proposed regulation and to make a recommendation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commissioner may make any recommendation to the Board about a regulation that the Commissioner considers necessary to carry out this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Board or Commissioner may appoint a special committee, composed of employees, employers, experts, and at least 1 member of the general public, to help the Board to develop its recommendations on proposed regulations.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board may use the advice and help of any individual or entity with special knowledge about a recommendation that the Board is considering.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board shall hold the public hearings needed to carry out its responsibilities under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At least 30 days before a hearing under this subsection, the Commissioner shall publish notice of the hearing at least once in a newspaper that the Commissioner chooses.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>On request of any person, the Commissioner shall give that person notice of a hearing under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-311" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <text>The Board shall submit to the Commissioner, with each recommendation for a proposed regulation, a report that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>explains the need for the proposed regulation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>summarizes the information available to the Board, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>testimony that was presented at any public hearing; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>technical information.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-312" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>To adopt a proposed regulation, the Commissioner shall comply with this section and Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If, after receipt of a recommendation from the Board, the Commissioner decides to adopt the proposed regulation, within 45 days after the Board submits the recommendation, the Commissioner shall initiate the process for publishing and issuing the proposed regulation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A public hearing is not required to adopt, by reference, a proposed regulation that is identical to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a regulation or rule adopted by another unit of the State government;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a standard on occupational safety and health that is adopted by an organization that is nationally recognized as setting standards; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a standard on occupational safety and health that is adopted by the federal government and that is currently in effect.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-313" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <text>The Commissioner may delay the effective date of a regulation for not more than 90 days after publication of the notice of adoption, if the Commissioner determines that the delay is necessary to ensure that employers whom the regulation affects know about and have an opportunity to familiarize employees with the requirements of the regulation.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-314" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, and notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle but subject to the limitations on emergency adoption in Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article, the Commissioner may adopt immediately an emergency occupational safety and health standard that the Commissioner determines is needed to protect employees from the grave danger of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a new hazard; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>exposure to an agent or circumstance determined to be toxic or physically harmful.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An emergency occupational safety and health standard adopted under this section remains in effect until the earlier of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>expiration of a period that the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review sets;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>expiration of a period, not exceeding 6 months, that the Commissioner sets; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>replacement of the emergency occupational safety and health standard by another regulation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-315" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner shall keep in the office of the Commissioner a set of the current regulations adopted to carry out this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commissioner may set a fee for the cost to prepare and mail a copy of the current regulations.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On request and payment of the fee, if any, the Commissioner shall send a person a copy of the current regulations.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-318" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <text>An employer who is affected by a regulation adopted to carry out this title may apply to the Commissioner for a temporary or permanent variance from the regulation or a part of the regulation.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-319" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <text>An applicant for a temporary variance shall apply before the effective date of the regulation or part of a regulation from which the temporary variance is sought.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-320" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <text>An application for a temporary variance shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>specify the regulation or part of a regulation from which the temporary variance is sought;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>contain a representation by the employer supported by the representation of qualified individuals with personal knowledge of the facts stated in the application that the employer is unable to comply with the regulation or part;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>explain, in detail, each reason for the inability to comply;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>describe each step that the employer has taken and will take:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to comply with the regulation or part; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>until then, to protect employees against the hazard that the regulation or part covers;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>state the date on which the employer took or will take each step listed under item (4) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>state the date on which the employer expects to be able to comply with the regulation or part;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>contain a certification that the employer has complied with § 5-321(a) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>state the manner in which the employer complied with § 5-321(a) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>advise employees that any employee may ask the Commissioner to hold a hearing on the application.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-321" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant for a temporary variance shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>give a copy of the application to its employees or their authorized representative;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>post, where notices to employees normally are posted, a statement that summarizes the application and specifies where a copy of the application may be examined; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>give notice by using any other appropriate means.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An applicant for a permanent variance shall give each employee whom the variance would affect notice:</text> <level label="1"> <text>of the application; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that the Commissioner shall give each employee whom the variance would affect an opportunity to participate in a hearing on the application.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-322" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner shall hold a hearing on an application for a temporary variance on request of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the applicant; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an employee whom the temporary variance would affect.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commissioner:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall hold a hearing on each application for a permanent variance; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if appropriate, shall conduct an inspection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commissioner shall give employees whom the permanent variance would affect an opportunity to participate in the hearing.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-323" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>To qualify for a temporary variance, an applicant shall establish that the applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is unable to comply with a regulation or part of a regulation, by its effective date, because:</text> <level label="i"> <text>equipment, material, or professional or technical staff that is needed to comply is unavailable; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>alteration or construction of a facility that is needed to comply cannot be completed by the effective date;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>has an effective program to comply with the regulation or part as soon as practicable; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is taking each available step to protect employees against each hazard that the regulation or part covers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To qualify for a permanent variance, an applicant shall show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the applicant will maintain conditions, means, methods, practices, procedures, or operations that make employment and places of employment at least as safe and healthful for employees as they would be if the applicant complied with the regulation from which the permanent variance is sought.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In addition to the bases under subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the Commissioner may grant an employer a variance from a regulation or part of a regulation if the Commissioner:</text> <level label="1"> <text>approves an experiment to show or validate a new and improved method to protect the health or safety of employees; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>determines that the employer needs the variance to participate in the experiment.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-324" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner may pass 1 interim order for a temporary variance from a regulation.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An interim order under this section is effective until the Commissioner makes a determination on an application for a temporary variance.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-325" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commissioner shall pass an order that grants an employer a temporary variance if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the employer submits an application in accordance with §§ 5-319 and 5-320 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the employer gives notice to employees in accordance with § 5-321(a) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Commissioner holds any hearing required under § 5-322(a) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the Commissioner determines that the employer has met the requirements of § 5-323(a) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commissioner shall pass an order that grants an employer a permanent variance if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the employer submits an appropriate application;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the employer gives notice to employees in accordance with § 5-321(b) of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the Commissioner holds a hearing and conducts an appropriate inspection under § 5-322(b) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the Commissioner determines that the employer has met the requirements of § 5-323(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Each order for a temporary or permanent variance shall specify the conditions the employer must maintain and the means, methods, practices, procedures, and operations to the extent that they differ from those required under the regulation or part of a regulation from which the variance is granted.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each order for a temporary variance shall state, in detail, the program that the employer is to follow to come into compliance with the regulation or part from which the temporary variance is granted.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-326" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless an order for a temporary variance from a regulation or part of a regulation is renewed as provided in this section, the order may not be in effect for longer than:</text> <level label="1"> <text>1 year after the order is passed; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if shorter, the period that the employer needs to achieve compliance with the regulation or part.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the limitations in this subsection, the Commissioner may renew an order for a temporary variance twice.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commissioner may renew an order under this subsection only if the employer:</text> <level label="i"> <text>submits an application for renewal to the Commissioner at least 90 days before the date on which the order is to expire; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>meets the requirements of this subtitle for granting a temporary variance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A renewal under this subsection may not remain in effect for more than 180 days.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-327" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner may modify or revoke a permanent variance at any time, on the Commissioner’s own initiative and after a hearing.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If at least 6 months have elapsed since the Commissioner granted the permanent variance, on an application of an employee or employer and after a hearing, the Commissioner may modify or revoke the permanent variance.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-328" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Regulations"> <text>The Commissioner shall adopt regulations that provide:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for a consultation program that conforms to federal law and regulations (29 C.F.R. Part 1908);</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that, unless the employer fails to correct or abate a hazard identified during a consultation inspection within the time allowed in the consultation report, the employer will not receive a citation or penalty for a hazard identified during the consultation inspection; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>to the extent allowed by federal law and regulations, for an exemption not to exceed 2 years from general schedule inspection for an employer who, in accordance with the Commissioner’s regulations, uses the consultation program provided by the Division of Labor and Industry.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-401" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Access to Information About Hazardous and Toxic Substances"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Employee” means an employee (as defined in § 5-101 of this title) or former employee when the individual may be exposed under normal operating conditions or foreseeable emergencies.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Employee” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a line supervisor;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a maintenance worker;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a member or former member of a volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue company;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>operating personnel; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>a production worker.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Employer” means an employer (as defined in § 5-101 of this title) and includes a volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue company.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Employer” does not include a farmer who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>uses a hazardous chemical in farming; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>complies with the applicable requirements of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-402" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Access to Information About Hazardous and Toxic Substances"> <text>Sections 5-404 through 5-409 of this subtitle do not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a railroad that is subject to the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 and the jurisdiction of the Federal Railroad Administration;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a landfill in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a person who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is engaged in the business of providing commercial or residential garbage and refuse pickup and disposal service while actually engaging in the pickup and disposal of garbage and refuse; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>does not pick up, transport, treat, store, or dispose of controlled hazardous substances that are regulated under Title 7, Subtitle 2 of the Environment Article; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an analytical, educational, or research and development laboratory.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-403" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Access to Information About Hazardous and Toxic Substances"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, an employer, chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor shall comply with all applicable provisions of the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “Hazard Communication Standard”, 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200, as published at 52 Federal Register No. 163, August 24, 1987, pages 31876 through 31886, and, as adopted by the Commissioner, all subsequent amendments.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If a term is used in 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200 and defined in § 5-401 of this subtitle, the term has the meaning stated in § 5-401.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>When used in 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200, the terms “Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA” and “Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health” shall be interpreted to mean the Commissioner or a designated representative of the Commissioner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The exclusion for wood and wood products set forth in 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200(b)(6)(iii) does not apply in Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for an analytical, educational, or research and development laboratory, a laboratory shall comply with 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employer that is an analytical, educational, or research and development laboratory shall comply with 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200(b)(3).</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The party who claims a trade secret under 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200(i) has the burden of proving the claim.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-404" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Access to Information About Hazardous and Toxic Substances"> <level label="a"> <text>An employer may not ask or require an employee to waive any right under this subtitle or 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A waiver of a right under this subtitle or 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200 is void.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-405" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Access to Information About Hazardous and Toxic Substances"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a consumer product or foodstuff that is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>packaged for distribution to and intended for use by the general public; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>handled unopened or stored unopened in a retail establishment, including its storeroom or warehouse.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>To comply with the requirements of 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) for a list of hazardous chemicals, each employer shall compile and maintain a chemical information list for each hazardous chemical that is formulated, handled, manufactured, packaged, processed, reacted, repackaged, stored, or transferred in the workplace of the employer.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 30 days after a hazardous chemical is introduced into the workplace of an employer, the employer shall add the hazardous chemical to the chemical information list. The employer need not place the hazardous chemical alphabetically on the chemical information list until the employer next revises the list as required under paragraph (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Every 2 years, an employer shall revise the chemical information list.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For each hazardous chemical on a chemical information list, the list shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>contain its chemical and common names; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>identify each work area where the hazardous chemical is found.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Each compilation of a chemical information list and each revision under subsection (b) of this section shall list the hazardous chemicals on the list in alphabetical order according to common name.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>Each employer shall keep, for at least 40 years, each chemical information list that the employer compiles or revises.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If an employer’s business ceases to operate or formulate, handle, manufacture, package, process, react, repackage, store, or transfer hazardous chemicals in a workplace regulated under this subtitle, the employer promptly shall submit the most recent chemical information list to the Maryland Department of Labor.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Maryland Department of Labor shall keep, for at least 40 years, the chemical information list that the employer provides under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-407" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Access to Information About Hazardous and Toxic Substances"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An employee or designated representative may ask an employer for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>access to a chemical information list maintained by the employer; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a copy of the chemical information list or any material safety data sheet in the workplace of the employee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employer shall comply with a request under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for access, in the workplace of the employee, within 1 working day after a request; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for a copy, within 5 days after a request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>To comply with a request for a copy, an employer shall provide, without charge to the employee or designated representative, the copy or the mechanical means to produce the copy. If, during a calendar year, more than 1 copy is requested for an employee the employer may assess a reasonable charge for each additional copy.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>An employer shall make the material safety data sheet readily accessible in accordance with 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200(g)(8).</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>If an employer fails to comply with this subsection, an employee who requests the information may refuse to work with the hazardous chemical for which the chemical information list or material safety data sheet was requested.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On receipt of a written request, an employer or, if the employer’s business has ceased operating as described in § 5–405(e)(2) of this subtitle, the Maryland Department of Labor shall provide access to information on a chemical information list to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an individual who provides fire, ambulance, or rescue service for the appropriate geographic area;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a nurse, physician, or physician’s assistant who is providing emergency medical treatment;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the Commissioner;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a former employee;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>an independent contractor or employer;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>any environmental, civic, or consumer organization in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>any individual who lives:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in a local community where a business stores, produces, or locates hazardous or toxic chemicals; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>in the nearest local community to a business that stores, produces, or locates hazardous or toxic chemicals.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-408" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Access to Information About Hazardous and Toxic Substances"> <level label="a"> <text>An independent contractor to whom this subtitle applies or an employer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>before commencement of work at a workplace, shall provide information compiled under § 5–405 of this subtitle to any other employer whose workplace is the site of work being performed by the independent contractor or employer; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>on request, shall provide material safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical identified on the chemical information list to any other employer whose workplace is the site of the work being performed by the independent contractor or employer, within 1 working day after the request.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before commencement of work by an independent contractor, any employer who employs the independent contractor shall provide information required under § 5–405 of this subtitle and 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200(g) for the workplace at which the independent contractor will work.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A general contractor or its representative shall designate, for each construction site, a common location where each independent contractor or employer shall leave the chemical information list of the contractor or employer before the contractor begins work at the site.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-409" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Access to Information About Hazardous and Toxic Substances"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “fire department official”:</text> <level label="1"> <text>means an individual who is responsible for the administration of a fire department in a political subdivision or a designee of the individual; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>includes a fire administrator or fire chief.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On request, an employer shall give a fire department official:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a list of work areas, identified by name and location, and the appropriate chemical information list for each work area; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical included on the chemical information list.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On notice, the employer at a retail establishment shall allow a fire department official to have access to the establishment, during normal business hours, to develop prefire strategy.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, information submitted or made available under this section is privileged and may not be disclosed to any person or in any civil proceeding.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A fire department official who obtains information under subsection (b) of this section shall make the information available, on request, to an ambulance squad, fire inspection, fire suppression, or rescue squad unit within the same jurisdiction.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-410" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Access to Information About Hazardous and Toxic Substances"> <text>The criminal penalty under § 5-804 of this title does not apply to a violation that arises under §§ 5-404 through 5-409 of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-501" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Training of Power Equipment Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle, “power equipment” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a backhoe;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a bulldozer;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a front-end loader;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>skid steer equipment;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a gradall;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>a scraper pan;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>a crane; or</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>a hoist.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Power equipment” does not include agricultural equipment that is used in a farming operation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-502" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Training of Power Equipment Operators"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to an employer with fewer than 6 employees.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-503" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Training of Power Equipment Operators"> <level label="a"> <text>Each employer that hires employees to operate power equipment shall develop and carry out an employee safety training program designed to inform employees of and train employees in applicable standards for safe operation of power equipment including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>limitations and use;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>rated load capacities; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>special hazards.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On request by the Commissioner, an employer shall give the Commissioner a copy of its safety training program.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Each employer that hires employees to operate power equipment shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>keep on file for inspection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a written description of its employee training program; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a notation of where an employee received safety training, if the employer did not provide the employee with safety training;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>assure that specifications of a manufacturer applicable to operation of a piece of power equipment are available to each operator; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>post operating instructions as required by occupational safety and health standards.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-504" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Training of Power Equipment Operators"> <text>This subtitle may not be construed to allow or require licensing, registration, or certification of an operator of power equipment.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-505" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Training of Power Equipment Operators"> <text>Sections 5-804, 5-805, and 5-806 of this title do not apply to this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-601" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="6"> <level label="a"> <text>The General Assembly finds that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogenic agent, creates a significant hazard to the health of the people of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>asbestos protective clothing that is used improperly or that is not maintained properly exposes a worker to this hazard;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>protective materials have been developed as substitutes for asbestos; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>it is in the public interest to protect workers from this hazard by eliminating the use of asbestos protective clothing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A person may not sell in the State any item of new or used asbestos protective clothing.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employer may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>buy, for use by an employee, any item of new or used asbestos protective clothing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>ask or require an employee to use any item of new or used asbestos protective clothing; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>keep or otherwise possess any item of new or used asbestos protective clothing at a place of employment.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-602" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="6"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Confined space” means a space that, by design:</text> <level label="i"> <text>has limited openings for entry and exit; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the accumulation of a combustible agent;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an accumulation of a toxic agent; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a deficiency of oxygen.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Confined space” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a basin;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a bin;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a degreaser;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a duct;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>a pipeline;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>a pit;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>a sewer;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>a silo;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>a tank that is enclosed or has an open top;</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>a tub;</text> </level> <level label="xi"> <text>a tunnel;</text> </level> <level label="xii"> <text>a vat;</text> </level> <level label="xiii"> <text>a process vessel; or</text> </level> <level label="xiv"> <text>a reaction vessel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Maintenance work” means cleaning, inspection, maintenance, painting, repair, servicing, or other similar work.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person described in § 5–101(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) of this title may not allow or cause an individual described in § 5–101(c)(2)(iii) or (iv) of this title to do maintenance work in a confined space, unless the Commissioner:</text> <level label="1"> <text>grants written authorization based on a satisfactory showing that work practices in effect will protect the health and safety of the individual; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in accordance with Subtitle 3 of this title, passes an order for a variance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only to an employer who is a subcontractor.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each subcontractor who, under an original contract or subcontract, is to do maintenance work in a confined space shall give the Commissioner:</text> <level label="i"> <text>at the commencement of the maintenance work, oral notice of the maintenance work to be performed; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>within 24 hours after the oral notice, written notice of the maintenance work.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-603" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="6"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, whenever an employer has an employee working in a manhole, the employer shall have another employee available in the immediate vicinity of the manhole to give emergency help.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The employee who is available to give emergency help may enter the manhole to give other help.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For a brief period, a qualified employee who is working alone may enter a manhole where cables or equipment are in service to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>perform an inspection;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>perform housekeeping;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>take readings; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>do other work if it can be performed safely.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-604" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="6"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An employer or other person may not discharge or otherwise discriminate against an employee on the basis of information gained through participation of the employee in group medical coverage.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This title does not prevent an employer from using medical information that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>has a direct, material, and timely relationship to the capacity or fitness of an employee to perform the job of the employee properly; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>differs substantially from medical information that the employee falsely provides in an application for employment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An employer or other person may not discharge or otherwise discriminate against an employee because the employee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>files a complaint under or related to this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>brings an action under this title or a proceeding under or related to this title or causes the action or proceeding to be brought;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>has testified or will testify in an action under this title or a proceeding under or related to this title;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>exercises, for the employee or another, a right under this title; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>is an essential worker who files a complaint or exercises a right under § 3–1604 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, an employee who believes that an employer or other person has discharged or otherwise discriminated against the employee in violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section may submit to the Commissioner a written complaint that alleges the discrimination and that includes the signature of the employee.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Commissioner shall accept as timely an oral complaint made by the employee under the circumstances described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, provided the employee submits a written complaint within 7 business days of the oral complaint and that includes the signature of the employee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employee shall file a complaint under this subsection within 30 days after the alleged discrimination occurs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>On receipt of a complaint under subsection (c) of this section, the Commissioner may investigate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If, after investigation, the Commissioner determines that an employer or other person has violated subsection (a) or (b) of this section, the Commissioner shall file a complaint to enjoin the violation, to reinstate the employee to the former position with back pay, or for other appropriate relief in the circuit court for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the county in which the alleged violation occurred;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the county in which the employer has its principal office; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Baltimore City.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Within 90 days after the Commissioner receives a complaint, the Commissioner shall notify the employee of the determination under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-605" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="6"> <level label="a"> <text>Each employer is encouraged to provide information and incentives that promote ridesharing arrangements.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Unless an employer owns or contracts for a vehicle that is used in a ridesharing arrangement, the employer is not liable for an injury to a rider or another that results from use of the vehicle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An employer is not liable for an injury to a rider or another only because the employer provides information or incentives or otherwise encourages an employee to participate in a ridesharing arrangement, as defined in § 11-150.1 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-606" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="6"> <level label="a"> <text>Upon installation of a sanitary sewer line in the State, each connection brought to the property line shall have a combination type fitting, capped at the horizontal end, with a vertical pipe capped within 4 feet of the surface.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each sewer house connection shall be designed to optimize safety, economy, functional efficiency, and operational maintenance.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Vertical pipes to be used for house connections or cleanout pipes shall be a minimum of 4 inches in diameter.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The requirements of this section apply in each county and subdivision in the State for any new installation or major modification occurring on or after January 1, 1992.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-608" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="6"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in § 24–505 of the Health – General Article, an individual may not smoke in an indoor place of employment.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department shall adopt regulations that prohibit environmental smoke, as defined in § 24–501 of the Health – General Article, in indoor places of employment not normally open to the general public.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a person who violates a regulation adopted under this subtitle:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for a first violation, shall be issued a written reprimand by the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for a second violation, is subject to a civil penalty of $100; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>for each subsequent violation, is subject to a civil penalty not less than $250.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commissioner may waive a penalty established under subsection (b) of this section, giving consideration to factors that include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the seriousness of the violation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any demonstrated good faith measures to comply with the provisions of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A penalty collected by the Commissioner under this section shall be paid to the Cigarette Restitution Fund established under § 7–317 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An employer who discharges or discriminates against an employee because that employee has made a complaint under this section, has given information to the Department in accordance with this section, has caused to be instituted or is about to cause to be instituted a proceeding under this section, or has testified or is about to testify in a proceeding, shall be deemed in violation of this section and shall be subject to a civil penalty of at least $2,000 but not more than $10,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>An employee may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>make a groundless or malicious complaint to the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>in bad faith, bring an action under this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>in bad faith, testify in an action under this subtitle or a proceeding that relates to the subject of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commissioner may bring an action for injunctive relief and damages against a person who violates the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-701" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Records and Reports"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner may require, by regulation, that an employer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>measure or monitor employee exposure to a potentially toxic material or harmful physical agent; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>keep an accurate record of employee exposure to a toxic material or harmful physical agent that the employer is required to measure or monitor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An employer shall give an employee or representative of an employee an opportunity to observe each measurement or monitoring under this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If an employee is exposed to a potentially toxic material or harmful physical agent in a concentration or level that exceeds the level allowed under an applicable occupational safety and health standard, the employer of the employee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>promptly shall give the employee notice; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall inform the employee of each corrective action being taken.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Each employee or former employee shall have access to each record that indicates exposure of the employee or former employee to a toxic material or harmful agent.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each employee or representative of an employee shall have access to each record kept under subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-702" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Records and Reports"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commissioner may require, by regulation, that an employer keep:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an accurate record of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>each work–related death;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>each work–related illness; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>each work–related injury other than a minor injury that requires only first aid treatment and does not involve loss of consciousness, medical treatment, restriction of motion or work, or transfer to another job; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>each other record about an activity of the employer under this title that the Commissioner considers appropriate or necessary to develop information about the causes and prevention of occupational accidents, illnesses, and injuries.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commissioner shall require by regulation that each public body keep an accurate record of the information described under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each employer shall make available to the Commissioner each record that the employer is required to keep under subsection (a)(2) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An employer shall report orally to the Commissioner an employment accident within 8 hours after it occurs if the accident results in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the death of an employee; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>hospitalization of at least three employees.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-703" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Records and Reports"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner may require, by regulation, that an employer keep each record about an activity of the employer that relates to this title as the Commissioner considers appropriate or necessary to enforce this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each employer shall make available to the Commissioner each record that the employer is required to keep under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-704" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Records and Reports"> <text>The Commissioner may require, by regulation, that an employer submit reports on the basis of the records that the employer keeps under this title.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-804" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not knowingly make a false certification, false representation, or false statement in an application, plan, record, report, or other document that is filed or required to be kept under this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates any provision of subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-805" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless the Commissioner or an authorized representative of the Commissioner gives written approval, a person may not give advance notice of an inspection to be made under this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-806" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <text>If an employer willfully violates any provision of this title, an order passed under this title, or a regulation adopted to carry out this title and the violation caused death to an employee, on conviction the employer is subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for a first offense, a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for a subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-809" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>For the purpose of this subsection, a violation is considered to be a serious violation if there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a condition that exists or a practice, means, method, operation, or process that has been adopted or is in use, unless the employer did not and with the exercise of reasonable diligence could not know of the violation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commissioner shall assess a civil penalty against an employer who receives a citation for a serious violation of this title, an order passed under this title, or a regulation adopted to carry out this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commissioner shall assess a civil penalty against an employer who violates a requirement for posting imposed under this title.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commissioner may assess a civil penalty against an employer who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>willfully or repeatedly violates this title, an order passed under this title, or a regulation adopted to carry out this title; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>receives a citation for a violation of a provision of this title, an order passed under this title, or a regulation adopted to carry out this title and there is a specific determination that the violation is not of a serious nature.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commissioner may assess a civil penalty against an employer who does not correct a violation for which a citation is issued within the period set under this title for correction.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-810" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a civil penalty under § 5–809 of this subtitle may not exceed:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>before July 15, 2025, $16,131 for each violation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>beginning July 15, 2025, the amount set by the Commissioner under subsection (b) of this section for each violation; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if an employer does not correct a violation within the period allowed for correction:</text> <level label="1"> <text>before July 15, 2025, $16,131 for each day that the violation continues; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>beginning July 15, 2025, the amount set by the Commissioner under subsection (b) of this section for each day that the violation continues.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A civil penalty for a willful or repeated violation of a provision of this title, an order passed under this title, or a regulation adopted to carry out this title may not exceed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>before July 15, 2025, $161,323 for each violation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>beginning July 15, 2025, the amount set by the Commissioner under subsection (b) of this section for each violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A civil penalty for a willful violation of a provision of this title, an order passed under this title, or a regulation adopted to carry out this title may not be less than:</text> <level label="i"> <text>before July 15, 2025, $11,162; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>beginning July 15, 2025, the amount set by the Commissioner under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, beginning January 1, 2025, and each calendar year thereafter, the Commissioner shall increase the minimum and maximum penalties in effect under subsection (a) of this section by increasing each civil penalty amount by the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers or a successor index published by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics as necessary to comply with federal law.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The adjustment under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be effective July 15 each year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before the Commissioner assesses a civil penalty under § 5–809 of this subtitle, the Commissioner shall consider the appropriateness of the penalty in relation to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the size of the business of the employer against whom the penalty is to be assessed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the gravity of the violation for which the penalty is to be assessed;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the good faith of the employer;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the history of violations by the employer;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the injury and illness experience of the employer;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the existence and quality of a safety and training program;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the actual harm to human health including injury or illness;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>the extent to which the current violation is part of a recurrent pattern of the same or similar type of violation; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>the extent to which the existence of the violation was known to the employer but remained not corrected.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-811" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>If a civil penalty that is assessed under this title is not paid in full within 30 days after the penalty becomes final, the Commissioner or the Central Collection Unit may proceed in the District Court to enforce payment.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In a proceeding under this subsection, the Commissioner or the Central Collection Unit is entitled to judgment in the amount of the civil penalty that remains unpaid on a showing that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the penalty was assessed against the defendant;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the penalty has become final;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>no appeal is pending;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the penalty is wholly or partly unpaid; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the defendant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>was duly served with a copy of the citation in accordance with the applicable regulations of the Commissioner; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>contested the citation for which the penalty was assessed.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-812" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, each civil penalty under this title shall be paid into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The revenues from the civil penalties assessed against a public body under this title shall be distributed to a special fund to be used only for the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-901" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="9" subtitle_name="Short Title"> <text>This title may be cited as the “Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Act”.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-1001" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Voluntary Protection Program"> <text>In this subtitle, “Program” means the Voluntary Protection Program established under § 5–1002 of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-1002" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Voluntary Protection Program"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Voluntary Protection Program in the Division of Labor and Industry.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Under the Program, the Commissioner shall recognize employers with places of employment in which an exemplary, voluntarily implemented worker safety and health management system has been implemented that exceeds basic compliance with occupational safety and health laws and regulations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Program is to encourage participating employers to have exemplary worker safety and health programs.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An employer who wishes to participate in the Program shall submit an application to the Commissioner for approval.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Commissioner shall establish the contents of the application form, as well as other documentation that the Commissioner may require.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-1003" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Voluntary Protection Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In evaluating an employer’s application for participation in the Program, the Commissioner may conduct an on–site evaluation of the employer’s place of employment.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>After the approval of an employer’s application for participation, the employer’s continued participation in the Program is contingent on the employer’s compliance with the regulations adopted by the Commissioner under § 5–1004 of this subtitle, as determined by periodic on–site evaluations by the Commissioner.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, during the period in which the employer is a participant in the Program, the employer’s place of employment is exempt from occupational safety and health inspections conducted by the Commissioner under Title 5, Subtitle 2 of this article, to the extent allowed by federal law and regulations.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Notwithstanding an employer’s participation in the Program, a place of employment is not exempt from inspections or investigations that arise from complaints, referrals, catastrophes, fatalities, accidents, or significant toxic chemical releases.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-1004" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Voluntary Protection Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner shall adopt regulations to implement the Program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The regulations adopted in accordance with subsection (a) of this section shall include requirements for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>evidence of senior management leadership in the area of occupational safety and health, along with active and meaningful employee involvement;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>comprehensive hazard prevention, mitigation, and control programs;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>systematic assessment of occupational hazards;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>employee safety and health training; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>safety and health program evaluation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-1101" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Health Care Facilities -- Workplace Safety Program"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Health care facility” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a hospital; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a State residential center.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Health care facility” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a subacute care unit of a hospital; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a State–operated hospital.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Health care worker” means an individual employed by a health care facility.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Hospital” has the meaning stated in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“State residential center” has the meaning stated in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Workplace safety” means the prevention of any physical assault or threatening behavior against a health care worker in a health care facility.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-1102" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Health Care Facilities -- Workplace Safety Program"> <level label="a"> <text>A health care facility shall establish a workplace safety committee to establish and administer a workplace safety program.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The workplace safety committee established under subsection (a) of this section shall be composed of an equal number of employees who work in management and employees who do not work in management.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-1103" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="11" subtitle_name="Health Care Facilities -- Workplace Safety Program"> <level label="a"> <text>The workplace safety committee shall establish a workplace safety program that is appropriate for the size and complexity of the health care facility.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The workplace safety program established under subsection (a) of this section shall include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a written policy describing how the health care facility provides for the safety of health care workers;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an annual assessment to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>identify hazards, conditions, operations, and situations that could lead to workplace injuries; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be used to develop recommendations to reduce the risk of workplace injuries;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a process for reporting, responding to, and tracking incidences of workplace injuries; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>regular workplace safety training for health care workers.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-1201" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="12" subtitle_name="Heat Stress Standards"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Heat–related illness” means a medical condition resulting from the inability of the body to rid itself of excess heat, including heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, and heat stroke.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Heat stress” means the net load to which a worker is exposed from the combined contributions of metabolic heat, environmental factors, and clothing worn that results in an increase in heat storage in the body, causing body temperature to rise to sometimes dangerous levels.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On or before October 1, 2022, the Commissioner, in consultation with the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board, shall develop and adopt regulations that require employers to protect employees from heat–related illness caused by heat stress.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before the Commissioner begins the process for developing and adopting the regulations required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, Maryland Occupational Safety and Health shall hold informational hearings in four different geographical areas of the State for the purpose of obtaining input from interested parties.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In developing the regulations required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commissioner shall consider standards created by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, and the American National Standards Institute.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-1301" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Standards for Preventing Workplace Violence"> <text>In this subtitle, “Board” has the meaning stated in § 5–301 of this title.</text> </section> <section article="gle" article_name="Labor and Employment" number="5-1302" title_number="5" title_name="Occupational Safety and Health" subtitle_number="13" subtitle_name="Standards for Preventing Workplace Violence"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commissioner shall include as part of the occupational safety and health standards established under this title standards for protecting employees of public bodies from workplace violence.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (c) of this section, on or before October 1, 2026, the Commissioner, in consultation with the Board, shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Before adopting regulations under subsection (b) of this section, the Commissioner shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>review and consider the recommendations on preventing workplace violence created by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>hold at least four meetings soliciting input from certified exclusive representatives of employees of public bodies on the best ways to prevent workplace violence; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>hold meetings in at least four geographically diverse locations in the State to receive input from interested parties on the best ways to prevent workplace violence.</text> </level> </level> </section>