Civil Rights and Fair Practices Management of Civil Rights and Fair Practices The MDTA’s commitment to civil rights, equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, accessibility, and workforce inclusion is fundamental to its responsibilities as a government agency. MDTA requires that employees, applicants, customers, contractors, and vendors be treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and that its employment practices, programs, services, activities, and contracting be administered in accordance with applicable federal and state civil rights and nondiscrimination requirements. Grounded in the agency’s values and organizational culture, the MDTA is committed to maintaining a professional workplace and delivering transportation programs and services consistent with the principles of equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, accessibility, integrity, and respect. As an agency of the State of Maryland, MDTA is responsible for administering its employment practices, public services, and compliance programs fairly and in accordance with applicable laws. MDTA works to maintain an environment for its workforce, contractors, and vendors that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and to promote integrity, teamwork, accessibility, and respect throughout the organization. An inclusive workplace promotes equal opportunity, fair treatment, accessibility, employee engagement, and respect, and can support employee morale, organizational effectiveness, and the recruitment and retention of qualified employees. MDTA seeks to foster a professional environment in which employees can contribute their skills, experience, and perspectives to the agency’s mission. It is essential that MDTA recruit, hire, develop, and retain qualified individuals based on merit and fitness. MDTA maintains equal employment opportunity and identifies and addresses unlawful barriers to employment. MDTA also seeks to make informed and
Inspections Several types of health and safety inspections are conducted at each MDTA facility annually and monthly. Some inspections are collaborative efforts, with safety and risk management staff walking side-by-side with facility representatives making joint observations. Other inspections are more formal, with safety and risk management staff performing the inspection and reporting their findings back to team members at the facility that requires corrective action. The goal is always is the same – assess the facilities for hazards to mitigate or eliminate them from the workplace. The MDTA is developing criteria to report metrics quarterly. Providing a statistical baseline and opening additional lines of communication within the agency allows the agency to design a path towards the healthiest and safest working environment possible for its employees. Near-Miss Reporting Program Reporting near misses, or close calls, is a crucial safety practice in any workplace. It involves documenting and reporting incidents that could have led to injury, illness, or damage, but didn’t, due to luck or timely intervention. By proactively reporting and analyzing these events, organizations can identify potential hazards and implement preventative measures, reducing the likelihood of future accidents and injuries. Key aspects of near-miss reporting: ③ Definition: A near miss is an unplanned event that, if circumstances were slightly different, could have resulted in an accident. ③ Importance: Near misses are valuable learning opportunities. They signal potential hazards and weaknesses in safety protocols, allowing for proactive corrections. ③ Benefits: Reporting near misses can enhance workplace safety, reduce accidents, and improve overall operational efficiency.
The Office of Environment, Safety and Risk Management developed an electronic reporting method using a QR code to allow for prompt and efficient reporting of any near-miss events. A pilot program is also being established at the Key Bridge and the Intercounty Connector (ICC) facilities where devices, such as tablets, will be available for near-miss reporting. This eliminates the need to use personal devices for reporting. The MDTA’s Department of Information Technology (DoIT) is assisting with the pilot device roll-out and conducting final testing of reporting functionality. Continuous Improvement The MDTA is dedicated to continuous improvement in every way, including health and safety. Each year, leadership sets goals for what investment or internal project to work on next, always keeping the health and safety of its employees in mind. The MDTA is in the final stages of completion in the installation of new eyewash stations at its facilities, an agency-wide project that began in 2023. A training program is being developed to teach employees emergency response use, inspection, and maintenance procedures. State-of-the-art first aid equipment is an important investment in the health and safety of all MDTA employees. The MDTA has also developed its agency-wide heat injury and illness prevention policy in response to OSHA’s rule on the subject, which was released in July 2024. Some employees work outdoors during heatwaves that are becoming increasingly intense, so this policy has been developed following a thorough examination of projected heat exposures using consensus standards and best practices. The MDTA developed a Heat Illness Prevention Program in May 2025 and issued subsequent revisions and updates throughout year. During the program’s first year, more than 520 MDTA employees received training on the contents of the program as well as keeping safe while working in hot environments. Moving forward, heat illness prevention training will be provided annually to MDTA employees via in-person sessions and e-learning via the MDTA’s learning management system.
MDTA crews pick up 1.5 million pounds of trash each year.
socially responsible decisions that consider the needs of its customers and the communities it serves. The MDTA is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values and embraces all ethnicities, races, cultures, ages, abilities, sexual identities, and systems of belief that comprise our MDTA community, partners, and contractors. Grounded in our values and organizational culture, we are steadfast in our commitment to cultivating a workforce equipped to deliver safe, sustainable, intelligent, exceptional, and inclusive transportation solutions that connect our customers to life’s opportunities. These commitments support MDTA’s mission. The MDTA affirms its commitment to maintaining business practices and an organizational culture grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, accessibility, professionalism, and respect. MDTA values the individual skills, experience, and contributions of its employees and recognizes their importance to the agency’s success in serving Marylanders.
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Governance, Risk, and Impact Report
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Governance, Risk, and Impact Report
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