Baltimore officials and union leaders are calling for improved working conditions for the city’s public works employees following the tragic death of Ronald Silver II, who collapsed and died from heatstroke last week while collecting trash during extreme summer heat.
Critics argue that Silver’s death highlights long-standing issues within the public works agency, including a toxic work culture and inadequate health and safety measures.
“These workers perform essential tasks that none of us want to do—picking up trash,” said Baltimore City Councilmember Antonio Glover, a former public works employee, at a news conference outside City Hall. “We can no longer treat our workers like the very refuse they collect.”
Silver, 36, passed away late Friday afternoon after experiencing a medical emergency while in his truck. The temperature in Baltimore that day reached around 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38°C), according to the National Weather Service.
On Monday, the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled that Silver’s death was due to hyperthermia, a condition caused by the body overheating, and classified it as an accident.
Mayor Brandon Scott and Acting Public Works Director Khalil Zaied stated that their departments are working with medical professionals and the crew involved to gather more details about the incident.
Reports indicate that Silver sought help from a resident in northeast Baltimore late Friday, asking for water and medical assistance. The resident called 911, but Silver was reportedly unconscious by the time emergency services arrived.
“I can’t understand why his coworkers didn’t call 911 when he was in distress,” Gabby Avendano, who assisted Silver, told The Baltimore Sun.
Mary Stewart, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works, declined to comment on whether supervisors were informed of Silver’s condition during his shift.
“Ronald Silver died serving the people of Baltimore,” said Councilmember Zeke Cohen. “He deserves to be honored, but we must also confront the reality that he should still be alive.”
Silver’s death has intensified scrutiny of the safety conditions for sanitation workers, particularly during extreme heat, which is becoming more common due to global climate trends.
A recent report by Baltimore’s inspector general revealed that some public works employees lacked adequate access to water, ice, air conditioning, and fans, with several HVAC systems at waste yards found to be broken.
In response, the department pledged to improve conditions by maintaining ice machines, repairing air-conditioners in trash trucks, distributing Gatorade, and offering alternative uniforms on hot days. The agency also announced a suspension of trash and recycling collections on Tuesday for mandatory heat safety training.
Union leaders, however, insist that more significant reforms are necessary. They have outlined demands for updated policies, facility upgrades, and enhanced training to address the toxic work environment.
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“The culture of abuse at DPW needs to be eradicated. The hazing, intimidation, and bullying must end,” said Patrick Moran, president of the Maryland chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. “Previous administrations have neglected these issues. It’s time for immediate and substantial change.”
