Baltimore City Council questions DPW about poor working conditions after worker's death

BALTIMORE – At a City Council oversight hearing Tuesday night, council members questioned DPW executives about poor working conditions following the death of Ronald Silver II.

“My son Ronald was the pillar and foundation of our family, he was everything,” said Faith Johnson, Silver’s mother.

Her voice was filled with grief as she asked the city leaders for answers as to why her son died while working.

“We need answers, the family needs answers and the public needs answers,” Johnson said.

The coroner's office said Silver's body overheated while working in extreme temperatures on August 2.

He was 36 years old.

“The million dollar question. The question should be why Ronnie left his colleagues, went to a stranger's house and knocked on the door to beg for water and medical help,” said Thiru Vignarajah, Silver's family lawyer. “Why did Ronnie Silver turn to these people and not to his colleagues?”

His death came just weeks after the release of a startling report by the Baltimore Inspector General. The report detailed poor working conditions at DPW facilities and stated that the facilities' water dispensers or air conditioning systems were not working.

“What has changed within the agency to ensure safety, especially prior to Mr. Silver’s death,” asked City Council member Zeke Cohen.

City council members asked DPW leaders what was going on behind closed doors Thursday night.

The DPW stated that it had completed 14 training courses in 2024.

When asked why Gatorade, water and toilet paper are kept under lock and key, DPW officials acknowledged that there are systemic problems within the agency.

“I just want to understand why,” asked Odette Ramos.

“These are cultural changes, and we will start by holding everyone accountable,” a DPW official said.

The Maryland Operation Safety and Health Agency is currently investigating Silver's death after the city hired a Washington, D.C.-based law firm to review safety policies and procedures at the DPW.

This has raised concerns, however, as the firm has represented employers in the past in their efforts to weaken OSHA regulations.

Councilman Glover, a former DPW employee, wanted to know why this company was chosen.

“The goal was to find someone with extensive expertise, particularly in heat protection, who could get started immediately in a short period of time, and we thought this was the best team,” said a city attorney official.

DPW employees also expressed concern about the conditions on Thursday evening.

They urged DPW officials to be careful to include some of the front-line staff in the discussions when making the necessary changes.

“The city owes this family at least the truth. It owes them an honest, transparent investigation so we know who can be held accountable,” Vignarajah said.