We’ve been hard at work on solutions that protect our employees from the heat. In the past 18 months, we’ve developed and launched new employee training programs using the latest research and guidance from heat science experts.
“It doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about preparation, mentally and physically,” says UPS driver Joel Reyez. “Making sure you get the proper rest, hydrating and planning for your day are essential.”
Here are 10 simple ideas from UPS that anyone spending time outdoors can follow:
Prepare
- Know the daily weather conditions.
- Consume 24 to 32 ounces of water before going outdoors.
Rehydrate
- Drink 24 to 32 ounces of water every hour when working or playing on a hot day.
- Be careful not to drink too much water too fast.
Refresh
- Eat foods with high water content like cucumbers, lettuce, celery, bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelon and strawberries.
- Get plenty of electrolytes. Drink electrolyte sports drinks and avoid drinks containing lots of sugar. Eat foods like avocados, chia seeds, celery, tuna and bananas.
Recover
- Get used to your environment and pace yourself--take breaks in a cool zone or shaded area.
- Make sure you’re well-rested and prepared for hot weather (7 to 9 hours of sleep each night is recommended).
Respond
- Get help immediately and cool off if there are signs or symptoms of heat stress.
- Call emergency services and lower the body temperature as quickly as possible (immerse or wet the body with cold water and ice) if you or someone else is experiencing heat stroke.
“One of the things that I do is make sure I have plenty of water,” says UPS driver Joel Reyez. “I do my best to keep myself hydrated throughout the day. Sometimes I add Gatorade (electrolytes) between bottles of water. But not energy drinks, I stay away from those.” See what else Joel says about working (or playing) in the heat.
Did you know:
- UPS is improving heat safety for employees. We have increased our investment in to more than $409 million to help prepare UPSers to work safely year-round. This represents a $66 million increase from our total investments in 2022.
- UPS partnered with MISSION®, a major activewear company that specializes in cooling fabrics that stay up to 30 degrees cooler than the wearer’s body temperature for up to 2 hours. We’ve distributed over 440,000 pieces of cooling gear to our U.S. drivers, meaning everyone is covered.
Also, check out this CBS News Texas video about UPS employees preparing to work safely in hot weather.