(2) “Heat-related illness” means a medical condition resulting from the inability of the body to rid itself of excess heat, including heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, and heat stroke.

(3) “Heat stress” means the net load to which a worker is exposed from the combined contributions of metabolic heat, environmental factors, and clothing worn that results in an increase in heat storage in the body, causing body temperature to rise to sometimes dangerous levels.

(b) (1) On or before October 1, 2022, the Commissioner, in consultation with the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board, shall develop and adopt regulations that require employers to protect employees from heat-related illness caused by heat stress.

(2) Before the Commissioner begins the process for developing and adopting the regulations required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, Maryland Occupational Safety and Health shall hold informational hearings in four different geographical areas of the State for the purpose of obtaining input from interested parties.

(3) In developing the regulations required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commissioner shall consider standards created by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, and the American National Standards Institute.