In Phoenix, UPS driver Norbert Rodriguez and his manager, Nick Avila, are a dynamic duo who share a common focus on safety and personal wellness.
Nick and Norbert are co-chairs on the safety committee, both doing their part to serve the drivers in the building.
“Part of my role on the committee is to make sure all 150 drivers in my center have access to what they need,” Nick said. “Especially the Mission cooling gear they want to use.”
Mission gear powers, activate: UPS drivers love the Mission cooling gear because it’s simple. All they have to do is wet it, wring it and snap it – that’s it. Mission’s state-of-the-art technology helps its cooling fabrics stay up to 30 degrees cooler than body temperature.
"When you have cover, you don't need to constantly put on sunscreen," Norbert said. “Plus, it has a cooling effect; the Mission gear works really well.”
Walking the talk: Norbert also takes the time to remind the people around him that heat safety is only one part of the equation – personal wellness is the other.
"Take care of your body if you want your body to take care of you,” Norbert said. “Safety and wellness go hand in hand.”
After taking a look at his eating habits, he decided to take control of his physical health. Now he hits the gym at 5 a.m. three times a week – an effort that not only makes him stronger but also builds muscle that aids him in his job.
“Norbert doesn't just deliver packages,” said Nick. “He uses his role on the safety committee to deliver safety and wellness – he exemplifies UPS’s culture of safety."
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.
- Across the U.S., we have more than 2,600 safety committees in UPS facilities. Safety committees consist of hourly employees and management, working together to perform facility and equipment audits, recommend work process changes and provide safety compliance training.