WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Small business owners and delivery services are getting creative to help their employees get their jobs done safely in the heat.
When extreme temperatures hit, it can be dangerous to work outside unprepared.
“They do a great job; they’re the real heroes out there,” said United States Postal Service Strategic Communications Specialist Mark Inglett.
Inglett said they have a daily service talk to discuss safety plans with letter carriers, and managers also periodically check on them. He also said that USPS supplies them with tools to try to keep them comfortable.
“Things can change on a dime, so we make sure they’re well-equipped, they have hats, they have cooling towels, for dog protection they have horns, they have dog spray in their satchel, we make sure they’re well-prepared and well-equipped,” said Inglett.
Hydration stations are available at the post office.
Most routes on the road can be taken on foot in neighborhoods, so staying cool in the mail car is essential.
“They have fans or cooling type apparatuses in all of them, the newer ones have air conditioning throughout, we’re replenishing our vehicle fleet,” said Inglett.
Wichita Lawn Care LLC owner Adam Frey said his team does roughly 150 yards per week. He believes there are always unique ways to keep his team protected against extreme temperatures.
“I got the guys’ little neck fans this year. It puts a little breeze on the neck. I’ve been experimenting with Celtic salt this year. It has electrolytes in it and helps you stay hydrated, so you don’t have to drink as much water,” said Frey.
Making sure the job still gets done, regardless of the weather.
Inglett, with USPS, said the walking routes can still get overwhelming. They train their mail carriers on signs of heat exhaustion. Each driver is also given a scanner, which can let their manager know where they are if they need help.
