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UPS employee falls ill due to extreme heat
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<blockquote data-quote="hubrat" data-source="post: 861250" data-attributes="member: 869"><p>The only thing I have an issue with is proper ventilation.</p><p></p><p>I started loading feeders on midnight shift in January. I was 5'2 and 90 lbs and learned my work ethic busting my butt to stay warm. The heat wasn't too much for me in summer because it was midnight and I always had a fan available. I could not have done the same job on twilight. I knew this limitation and worked accordingly. </p><p></p><p>I drive in an area where the heat index reaches 110+. I know how to take care of my body and if I didn't I am reminded every once in a while during PCMs. I stay hydrated and get out of air-conditioned buildings as fast as I can. I take my lunch outside in the shade. These are things that help me. I pay attention to what my body is telling me and react accordingly, making adjustments as I can in my breaks in case I need a little down time. I have also taken an extra 10 or fifteen minutes on my own time as this is allowed by contract. My body is my tool. They are paying me for its usage. Maintenance is on my dime.</p><p></p><p>Our contract states that the use of fans in package cars are left up to individual districts. I did not realize this when I accepted the position driving. For years my cars always had a fan and I took it for granted, knowing full well that I cannot work in extreme heat without one. A few years ago some creep decided to cut costs by not replacing broken fans and went so far as to remove working fans from many cars. I don't know how the guys do it, but many of them are ok without a fan. At risk of being perceived as whining I will say that I am still only 5'2 and have to drive with the seat in the most forward position. No cross draft hits my body when traveling. It passes behind me. Anyway, I CAN'T work without something to move the air around a little. I had an understanding center manager and a couple of accommodating on-cars and have never been forced to work without a fan. It IS a safety issue. I think they've stopped the no-fan policy, but we do still have many cars without them. I go into work every day holding my breath until I see that my car is in place or has been replaced with one that has a fan. It's one of my most stressful times of day. Driving down the road in a dark metal box with no way to cool the sweat on my body is not an option. I will not put myself or the public at risk. I have been told I can be fired for refusing to drive a truck without a fan. IMO this is inhumane, so fire me and I will fight it tooth and nail. Maybe I'll lose, but I'll be safe and not rolling down the road dangling from my lap belt with my tongue hanging outta my mouth and my eyes rolled back in my head. The rest of my bros and sisters can tolerate whatever they choose, maybe they're getting some sorta cross-wind, I dunno. I only know my own limitations and I won't push them so far as to jeopardize my safety. </p><p></p><p>We really need to work on some more humane policies/language in the contract.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="hubrat, post: 861250, member: 869"] The only thing I have an issue with is proper ventilation. I started loading feeders on midnight shift in January. I was 5'2 and 90 lbs and learned my work ethic busting my butt to stay warm. The heat wasn't too much for me in summer because it was midnight and I always had a fan available. I could not have done the same job on twilight. I knew this limitation and worked accordingly. I drive in an area where the heat index reaches 110+. I know how to take care of my body and if I didn't I am reminded every once in a while during PCMs. I stay hydrated and get out of air-conditioned buildings as fast as I can. I take my lunch outside in the shade. These are things that help me. I pay attention to what my body is telling me and react accordingly, making adjustments as I can in my breaks in case I need a little down time. I have also taken an extra 10 or fifteen minutes on my own time as this is allowed by contract. My body is my tool. They are paying me for its usage. Maintenance is on my dime. Our contract states that the use of fans in package cars are left up to individual districts. I did not realize this when I accepted the position driving. For years my cars always had a fan and I took it for granted, knowing full well that I cannot work in extreme heat without one. A few years ago some creep decided to cut costs by not replacing broken fans and went so far as to remove working fans from many cars. I don't know how the guys do it, but many of them are ok without a fan. At risk of being perceived as whining I will say that I am still only 5'2 and have to drive with the seat in the most forward position. No cross draft hits my body when traveling. It passes behind me. Anyway, I CAN'T work without something to move the air around a little. I had an understanding center manager and a couple of accommodating on-cars and have never been forced to work without a fan. It IS a safety issue. I think they've stopped the no-fan policy, but we do still have many cars without them. I go into work every day holding my breath until I see that my car is in place or has been replaced with one that has a fan. It's one of my most stressful times of day. Driving down the road in a dark metal box with no way to cool the sweat on my body is not an option. I will not put myself or the public at risk. I have been told I can be fired for refusing to drive a truck without a fan. IMO this is inhumane, so fire me and I will fight it tooth and nail. Maybe I'll lose, but I'll be safe and not rolling down the road dangling from my lap belt with my tongue hanging outta my mouth and my eyes rolled back in my head. The rest of my bros and sisters can tolerate whatever they choose, maybe they're getting some sorta cross-wind, I dunno. I only know my own limitations and I won't push them so far as to jeopardize my safety. We really need to work on some more humane policies/language in the contract. [/QUOTE]
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UPS employee falls ill due to extreme heat
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