The Postal Service wants employees to stay safe during hot weather.
You should hydrate before, during and after work, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Research shows you should drink at least 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes.
Dressing appropriately for the weather is important, too. On warm days, wear light-colored, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to keep your body temperature down.
You should also avoid direct sunlight whenever possible, apply sunscreen of at least sun protection factor 15 and use shaded areas to stay cool.
Additionally, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
If you experience difficulty breathing or discomfort as a result of the heat while wearing a face covering, you should remove the covering until the discomfort ceases.
However, if you decide to remove the face covering, you should continue to practice social distancing when you come into contact with others, and sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue.
The Postal Service also wants you to know the signs of heat-related illnesses, including:
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Headaches
- Confusion or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness or fatigue
- Rashes
If you or a co-worker experience signs of heat stress or another heat-related illness, call 911 immediately and notify your supervisor.
The Safety Blue page has more information.
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