New Law Strengthens Protections for Maryland’s Public Workers

Starting October 1, 2025, the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) division will begin enforcing the Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act, a landmark law passed earlier this year to bolster workplace protections for public sector employees.

The Davis Martinez Act marks a pivotal shift toward safer, more responsive public workplaces across Maryland. Named in honor of Davis Martinez, a parole agent tragically killed during a home visit in 2024, the act closes longstanding gaps in safety enforcement by extending civil penalties to public employers for violations, which were previously only applicable to private sector entities.

Citations must now be shared not only with the employer but also with oversight bodies and affected employees, ensuring greater transparency and accountability. The law also mandates the creation of a dedicated Public Employees’ Safety and Health Unit within MOSH, tasked with inspecting worksites, issuing citations, and publishing annual safety reports. Looking ahead, MOSH must develop a workplace violence prevention standard by October 2026, shaped through public and union input.

For more information on how MOSH is implementing this new Act, click the link below.

Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act Quick Reference Sheet

Gas Toppers are Ready and Will be Distributed Soon

SERMA in partnership with the Maryland Department of State Police, and the Maryland Department of Transportation continues its commitment to safety with this year’s gas topper campaign, featuring the powerful message: “Slow Down.”


Gas toppers are eye-catching placards placed atop fuel pumps at state fueling stations. Their purpose? A quick but lasting reminder to drive safely, especially when rushing feels tempting. This year’s design emphasizes the dangers of speeding with the message:


“A FAST DRIVE could be your LAST DRIVE. Leave sooner, drive slower, live longer.”

Whether you're behind the wheel of a state vehicle or your own, these reminders help reinforce a culture of caution and care. Slowing down saves lives, and it starts with awareness at every stop.

For more information, contact us at SERMA2@ceiwc.com.

Join Us for a Webinar on Incident Investigation

Part One: Incident Investigation 

Learn how to turn incidents into insight using a systems-based approach. Discover practical steps for building your investigation program and uncovering root causes to prevent future events to keep all Maryland State Agency employees safe!

Topics Covered:

• Why investigations matter
• Systems thinking for deeper insights
• Building a sustainable investigation process
• Tips for thorough and objective investigations

Part Two: Responding with C.A.R.E.

Empower your team to respond swiftly and compassionately with the C.A.R.E. framework, guiding post-incident actions that prioritize both people and prevention.

C.A.R.E. Framework:

• C: Communicate your Injury Reporting Plan
• A: Arrange proper medical care
• R: Report incidents promptly to Chesapeake Employers
• E: Examine root causes to stop repeat incidents

WHEN: 10/23/25 1 pm - 3 pm CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

*This webinar is specially designed for State of Maryland Agency Employees covered under IWIF

Sign up for Free Safety Webinars

Don't miss out on our free October, November, and December webinars, led by our certified safety professionals:

10/15/25 Office Workspace Ergonomics 10 am - 11 am

10/21/25 Preventing Workspace Hearing Loss 1 pm - 2 pm

10/23/25 IWIF Incident Investigation & Responding with C.A.R.E. 1 pm - 3 pm

10/30/25 Reasonable Suspicion of Workplace Impairment 2 pm - 3 pm

11/04/25 Is Your Return-To-Work Program Working? 2 pm - 3 pm

11/18/25 The Impact of Shift Work & Long Hours on Workers' Health 1 pm - 2 pm

11/20/25 Understanding & Responding to Workplace Violence 11 am - 12 pm

12/03/25 Winter Weather Driving 11 am - 12 pm

12/04/25 Exploring Safety Center 2 pm - 2:30 pm

12/09/25 Is Your Organization Winter Weather Ready? 11 am - 12 pm

12/11/25 Reasonable Suspicion of Workplace Impairment 10 am - 11 am

Learn Life-Saving Skills with Our First Aid, CPR & AED Training Course

As a value-added safety service for our customers, we offer Adult First Aid, CPR & AED training. Take advantage of our training programs to help protect the safety and health of your employees.

Benefits of this training:


•     Comprehensive classroom training
•     Nominal cost; lower cost than other nationally recognized trainings
•     Helps ensure OSHA compliance

This training course offers important life-saving skills for laypersons. The first aid section includes first aid basics and information on medical, injury and environmental emergencies. The CPR section presents basic adult CPR and covers the proper use of AEDs. This training is intended for laypersons only and not for healthcare providers or those who work in a healthcare setting who are required to take a healthcare provider course for their employment.

Class sizes are limited to 24 participants and are taught by Chesapeake Employers' Safety Management Consultants certified as NSC First Aid Instructors. An NSC certification card will be awarded upon successful completion of the training. Both the CPR and First Aid certifications are good for two years from the date of training.

WHEN: 11/6/2025, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

*To register you must be an employee of an active policy holder of Chesapeake Employers Insurance or a Maryland State Agency Employee.

Visit our website to learn more.