DPW employees exposed to adverse work environment, negative culture

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — The Office of the Inspector General of the city of Baltimore (OIG) revealed the results of an investigation into the Department of Public Works (DPW) Bureau of Solid Waste (BSW) on Wednesday and recommended that officials make improvements to facilities and conditions for workers who have been exposed to an adverse environment and negative culture.

After interviews with more than 130 employees, the OIG found that an adverse work environment and negative culture has existed for the last decade and is creating concern for worker safety, morale, and the general welfare of employees.

ALSO READ | In Depth: Digging into the troubled DPW as families demand change from City Hall

On June 5, 2024, the OIG received a complaint regarding the DPW’s Bureau of Solid Waste, and an investigation ensued during the summer and fall months of 2024.

During that time, the OIG said they reviewed the “total work experience of solid waste workers and drivers within DPW,” according to the report. That included the overall work environment and experience for BSW employees at the Eastern Sanitation Yard at Bowley’s Lane and the Wester Sanitation Yard at Cherry Hill.

The original complaint alleged that DPW work conditions were dangerous for employees due to the heat, and that there was a lack of water and ice at the Cherry Hill location on 90-degree days.

ALSO READ | Co-worker reveals chilling details of DPW worker’s final moments before fatal heat stroke

During a visit to the location and following workers on a trash route, the OIG said they found evidence to support the complaint.

According to the report, additional complaints prompted the OIG to visit the Cherry Hill location again on July 10, a day which reached 95 degrees.

The OIG said when they arrived, there was no evidence that ice or water bottles were delivered to the yard and made available to early shift employees.

The day prior, employees said that water bottles had been delivered to the yard in a trash can full of ice, but nothing on the following day.

It was found that the ice inside the trash can had melted and water bottles were warm at 6 a.m.

Additionally, the air conditioning in the main trailer that DPW had said would be a cooling station had stopped working and thermostats read upwards of 83 degrees before 7 a.m.

The OIG said after receiving more complaints, they visited nine more DPW facilities on July 16. An emergency report was published a week later.

The investigation into the conditions at Bowley’s Lane and Cherry Hill continued for the majority of the rest of 2024.

Numerous DPW employees expressed that temporary improvements have occurred over the years to the facilities, but said they were like “putting lipstick on a pig.” They also said that work productivity was continually prioritized over employee health or concerns.

At the Bowley’s Lane location, HVAC units were found not to be functioning, lockers were broken, and ice machines were found to be inoperable.

There have also been complaints about the odor of the office at the location and concerns that it was built on a previous landfill.

At the Cherry Hill location, HVAC systems were found not to be functioning, causing extreme temperatures at the peak of each season.

Toilets and urinals were found to be broken, and showers were found to be not functional.

DPW workers also said that the trash routes they were forced to work were long and not evenly distributed.

On Dec. 3, 2024, the OIG conducted visits to the sites when temperatures were around 30 degrees and found numerous workers without uniforms, including warm weather gear.

ALSO READ | DPW workers rally at City Hall, demand safer conditions and higher pay amid tragic deaths

DPW employees told officials that they had never received a winter jumper or gloves, and those with heated jackets said the battery pack only lasted for a short time.

As a result of the investigation, the OIG said they strongly recommend that DPW and Baltimore city leadership work to ensure the facilities receive funding for renovations.

Additionally, the OIG recommended that DPW implement changes to trash routes and address the lack of proper staffing levels that has negatively impacted solid waste operations.

While DPW expressed difficulty in filling roles within their ranks, the OIG said that the DPW should work with the DHR to review salaries for employees.

In response, Khalil Zaied, the director of DPW, said that they are aiming to make improvements to their facilities and fleet, employee training, and formalizing a set of safety and compliance operating procedures.

In the response, Zaied said that DPW has been working to reverse the trends over the past four years and that over $60 million in funding has been set for improving BSW facilities.

DPW said it remains committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace environment.

You can read the full OIG report here:

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

To view the full statement from DPW, click here.