"Korea Post Launches 'Safety and Health Management Period' to Protect Workers from Heat-Related Illnesses"

The Korea Post Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as Korea Post) announced on June 9 that it will designate and operate a "Special Safety and Health Management Period for Postal Service Workers" until October 2.

The special management period is being implemented to protect the safety and health of employees in response to weather conditions such as summer heat waves and heavy rainfall.

Provided by Korea Post Headquarters

To this end, Korea Post plans to allocate a budget of 1.17 billion KRW this year to distribute ice makers to approximately 200 post offices nationwide and provide supplies such as bottled water, salt glucose, and cooling sleeves to prevent dehydration and help employees stay cool.

In addition, Korea Post will conduct training on the early symptoms, prevention methods, and emergency response procedures for heat-related illnesses, encouraging employees to proactively manage their own health.

For postal carriers who work outdoors during the hottest hours of the day, each will use their personal PDA to conduct self-assessments for symptoms of heat-related illness and will be allowed to take regular breaks and hydrate in shaded areas.

In particular, if outdoor employees such as postal carriers are exposed to health hazards or accident risks due to worsening weather conditions such as heat waves, heavy rain, or strong winds while on duty, Korea Post will immediately suspend their work and take measures to ensure they can evacuate to a safe location or return to the post office.

At postal sorting centers, where the arrival, sorting, and dispatch of mail operate 24 hours a day, safety meetings (TBM) will be held during the special management period to conduct pre-work stretching and equipment checks, and to share safety guidelines and heat illness prevention measures. A safety meeting refers to a time before work when all workers gather to discuss and share the work details and safe working methods.

Korea Post explained that, at postal sorting centers, frequent movement of mail and vehicles may reduce the efficiency of air conditioning in the workplace. Therefore, thermohygrometers will be installed on-site at all times to record perceived temperatures, and door management and operation of air conditioners will be used to maintain an appropriate indoor temperature (26-28°C) by minimizing the influx of hot air. In the event of a heat wave advisory, employees will be given at least 10 minutes of rest per hour.

Cho Haekeun, Head of Korea Post Headquarters, stated, "This summer is forecast to have more extremely hot days than usual," and added, "Korea Post will do its utmost to prioritize the safety and health of our employees so that stable postal services can be provided."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.