Dealing with the Dog Days of Summer and Authorized Heat Breaks
As I write this article, I realize that you will not receive it until mid-August but the subject concerning dealing with heat needs to be addressed. As carriers we are out in the elements for many hours every day. In some cases, with overtime, you can be out on the street for 8 hours or more. During the summer months the heat can be brutal and deadly. As of this writing two carriers have died due to heat related issues. Unfortunately, this is becoming a recurring issue, and we need to protect ourselves from the heat.
This past June and July we were hit with high temperatures and humidity making delivery extremely difficult. According to OSHA Guidelines they claim the body must acclimate to the elements. Unfortunately, we no longer get the spring weather, and we go from cold to extreme heat. These types of weather conditions make it impossible for us to adjust. Management says that safety is a concern of theirs and provides random talks on the subject. However, they don’t really practice what they preach.
I’m referring to the USPS Headquarters random alerts through the scanner to take “AUTHOIRIZED BREAKS TO RELAX FROM HIGH HEAT CONDITIONS.” However unfortunately when you take a break from the heat, they question you the next day about stationary time and why you came back to the office later than they projected. Management does have the right to question why a carrier extends their street time. However, they know the reason why and some Managers can be abusive on the subject. Some remember what it was like to carry mail, but others have forgotten or never carried mail then make the ridiculous statement “I don’t think you needed the whole time you had taken.” It’s easy for them to judge when they’re sitting in an air-conditioned building while you’re trying to complete your task under dangerous heat conditions. They should appreciate that the carrier completes the route and returns safely.
Don’t let the text confuse you when to take a heat related break. It’s quite simple- When you feel you need to take a break from the heat, TAKE IT. When you need fluids DRINK IT. OSHA guidelines state when working in extreme heat, you should drink water frequently, aiming for 1 cup (8 ounces) every 15-20 minutes. This translates to roughly 32 ounces of water per hour but avoid exceeding 48 ounces (1.5 quarts) per hour. Staying hydrated is crucial to prevent heat illness, and it’s more effective to drink smaller amounts regularly than large amounts infrequently DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU FEEL LIGHTHEADED OR DIZZY, by then it’s too late and you may be already suffering from Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion. If you start to feel these symptoms contact the office and dial 911. The following is a guide to assess heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion is characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and a rapid pulse. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency where the body’s temperature regulation system fails, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature, sometimes above 104°F, and potentially causing confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
When you do take a break from the heat you must contact Management. I recommend you send the message through your scanner. This way you have a written record that you notified them. If you chose to use your cellphones that’s up to you, but I would recommend you send the text as well. When you take the heat break that is not considered one of your breaks out in the street. Any heat-related break is in addition to your 10-minute lunch break. Don’t let Management try and con you into thinking it’s a 10-minute break or your lunch break.
As a point of reference for you I am including a section of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 1860 M-1860. In the MOU it states it’s for the state of Missouri; however, it goes on to state the parties understand and agree that individual city letter carriers may need accommodation related to heat when the heat index is under the threshold set below. The MOU states in part:
On days where the National Weather Service predicts a heat index at or above 103 degrees, in addition to their regular scheduled break(s) and lunch break, city letter carriers are encouraged to take additional breaks in designated climate-controlled or shaded areas (see item 6 below) when necessary to mitigate the impact of excessive heat. Additionally, the parties understand and agree that it may be necessary for individual city letter carriers to take additional breaks when the heat index is under the threshold set above. Individual city letter carriers returning from absence or illness may be especially vulnerable to the effects of excessive heat, and therefore, are especially encouraged to take necessary breaks pursuant to this paragraph. City letter carriers taking an extra break under this provision must, using their assigned MDD, send a text message to their assigned facility at the beginning of the break (indicating the break location) and another text message at the conclusion of the break. The parties understand and agree that there may be circumstances where a city letter carrier taking a break under this provision may not immediately report the breakthrough the MDD.
If you run out of water inform Management that it needs to be replenished. If you can do that while on the route or close to it, take the necessary time. If there isn’t a place where you can get the water, then send a text to Management you are returning to the office to replenish your containers. I would suggest you use an insulated 64-ounce water container to help keep you hydrated. It is Management’s responsibility to provide you with cool water to replenish your containers.
During the summer months Management has two goals- which are to pivot you and have you back on time. Your goals -should be to stay hydrated and not suffer a heat related illness, if you run out of water replenish it and take heat breaks when you need them. Stay safe everyone, you went to work in one piece, and we want you to go home the same way. Wear sunscreen and Have a Happy Labor Day weekend.
