The Postal Service has produced a safety kit to help employees recognize and avoid heat-related illnesses.
The kit includes tips on preventing heat stress, such as:
- Hydrate before, during and after work. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
- Dress appropriately. On warm days, wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing to keep body temperatures down.
- Get in the shade. When possible, avoid direct sunlight.
Employees also should know the signs of heat stress, including:
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Headache
- Confusion or dizziness
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness or fatigue
- Rash
Employees who experience symptoms should call their supervisor or 911.
The Heat Stress Prevention kit is available on the Safety toolkit site, which also has stand-up talks, posters and other materials.
1) The 8 8 ounce glasses of water per day has been disproven as a guideline for water consumption.
2) Why doesn’t the service issue camelbacks for the carriers? If they actually gave a damn about the employees they might try being a little proactive for a change.