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Safety and Health
Keeping letter carriers safe on the job
When it's HOT outside, drink plenty of liquids!
NALC joins the Postal Service in alerting letter carriers to the dangers of heat in the spring and summer. NALC Director of Safety & Health Manny Peralta urges letter carriers to
"...take care when you are out delivering your routes. Don't let yourself be overcome by hot weather."
| Do you know the signs of heat illness? |
Some tips on avoiding heat-related problems, and the symptoms of—and necessary action to take for—heat exhaustion and heat stroke. More
Protecting Workers from Heat Illness, a 3-page infosheet, is available for download here from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At times, workers may be required to work in hot environments for long periods. When the human body is unable to maintain a normal temperature, heat-related illnesses can occur and may result in death. This fact sheet provides information to employers on measures they should take to prevent heat-related illnesses and death.
To avoid heat-related problems:
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Watch for symptoms of HEAT EXHAUSTION and HEAT STROKE.
- Be prepared to act by learning correct first aid procedures ahead of time.
| HEAT EXHAUSTION |
Symptoms of heat exhaustion |
- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Mood changes, irritability, confusion or the inability to think clearly
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fainting
- Pale, clammy skin
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ACT IMMEDIATELY!
If not treated, heat exhaustion can advance to heat stroke
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- Move victim to a cool, shaded area. Don't leave the person alone. If symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, lay the victim on his or her back and raise legs 6 to 8 inches. If the symptoms include nausea or vomiting, lay the victim on his or her side.
- Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
- Give the person cool water to drink – about a cup every 15 minutes–unless he or she is nauseous or vomiting.
- Fan the victim and spray with a cool mist of water or apply a wet cloth to the skin.
- Call 911 for emergency help if the person does not feel better in a few minutes.
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| HEAT STROKE |
Symptoms of heat stroke—a medical emergency |
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Dry, pale skin with not sweating
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hot, red skin that looks sunburned
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Mood changes, irritability, confusion or the inability to think clearly
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Inability to revive form an unconscious state
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CALL 911 for emergency help IMMEDIATELY!
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- Move victim to a cool, shaded area. Don't leave the person alone. If symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, lay the victim on his or her back and raise legs 6 to 8 inches. If the symptoms include nausea or vomiting, lay the victim on his or her side.
- Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
- Give the person cool water to drink – about a cup every 15 minutes–unless he or she is nauseous or vomiting.
- Fan the victim and spray with a cool mist of water or wipe the victim with a wet cloth or cover with a wet sheet.
- Place ice packs under the armpits and groin area.
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