Safety is our number one priority, and during summer months it is important to take every measure to mitigate against heat stress. This guide outlines the new Heat Stress Prevention Procedure (HSPP). These standard operating procedures have been updated to accommodate real-world, on-road operations to help ensure the safety of every Delivery Associate (DA). These changes have been made in conjunction with Amazon, which will now be able to implement a work reduction process as the heat index increases across the area.
Minute Reductions
As the heat index rises, the new HSPP reduces the minutes of a DA’s shift times to allow additional time for breaks. There are now ‘minute reductions’ across four tiers of heat index thresholds that scale incrementally from 20 to 40 to 60 minutes. These reductions will provide additional time for DA's to take breaks throughout their shift when heat indexes reach these thresholds.
It’s important to note that these thresholds are heat index thresholds and not temperature thresholds. The heat index is a calculated temperature of how hot it feels outside when considering the amount of moisture in the air (relative humidity or dew-point value) combined with the actual temperature outside.
How is the Heat Index Temperature determined and communicated?
Heat indexes are monitored by Amazon. The TTSV Leadership Team will communicate to you throughout the day when thresholds are met. Amazon will also provide DA's with heat index messaging (via their In-App News Feed) at the beginning and middle of your shift to ensure you are aware of additional heat index-specific break details, encouraging you to stay safe and take all your breaks. Please note that decisions for minute reductions are based on the forecasted heat index each morning. If the heat index should rise or change throughout the day to higher than forecasted, then always follow standard heat mitigation protocols, such as hydration and taking all breaks in a shaded or air conditioned area.
What occurs when a Tier 1, 2 or 3 event is triggered?
Tier 1 and 2 events are triggered by the average forecasted Heat Index Temperature in the hottest portion of the day (12:00 – 16:00), falling within the defined thresholds. A Tier 1 event will have 20 minutes reduced from the affected DA routes, while a Tier 2 event will have 40 minutes reduced.
A Tier 3 event is triggered if the maximum forecasted Heat Index for the day (between 07:00 – 21:00) exceeds 110°F but is less than 115°F, and 60 minutes will be reduced from the affected DA routes.
When a Tier 1, 2 or 3 Level event is triggered, DA's should use this time, in addition to your standard break time, to allow for relief from the heat throughout your shift. Please seek out shaded areas, or public facilities with air conditioning, for breaks.
What occurs when a Tier 4 event is triggered?
If the Heat Index Temperature in the area is forecasted the next day to reach above 115°F or above, a Tier 4 event is triggered and you will receive communications from the TTSV Leadership Team detailing when to stop and then when to resume package delivery. The new ‘work reduction’ measures are to allow for additional breaks for DA's to take throughout the day. The following recommendations MAY occur the day of the Tier 4 Event:
1. Shutdown of deliveries.
2. If the forecasted maximum temperature for the entire shift (between 07:00-21:00) exceeds 115°F or above, TTSV will start the day at Tier 3 and monitor for Tier 4 actions.
3. Dispatch and delivery will occur until Tier 4 Heat Index temperatures of 115°F+ are reached.
4. When a Tier 4 Heat Index is recorded, the Amazon On-Road Area Manager (ORAM) will submit a Severity Level 1 Trouble Ticket.
5. The TTS Leadership Team will then notify all DA's and will have you halt package delivery, locate a suitable location to take a break in a public facility with air conditioning, and await further instruction.
The day of a Tier 4 Event, a Severity 1 call will be made by Amazon working together to review present and upcoming weather conditions if temperatures reach and exceed 115°F. From there, we will make a decision as to whether DAs' should wait for the heat index to drop below 115°F and continue your route, or have you return to the station.
Regardless of temperature threshold or outdoor conditions, any time a DA does not feel safe or feels temperatures are too high to work safely, you should alert the TTSV Leadership Team immediately.
If at any time, a DA notices the signs of heat stress like a headache, dizziness, feeling fainting or actually fainting; weakness and wet skin; irritability or confusion; thirst, nausea, or vomiting; please immediately report these signs to immediately to your Leadership Team so we can get the necessary medical care for you.
Tips to help reduce heat related illness:
Safety is our number one priority, and we want everyone to stay safe as the weather heats up. Here are a few tips to remember during summertime:
• Drinking enough water - 64 ounces per day
• Eating balanced meals - with nutrients like protein, vitamins, and fiber
• Get adequate rest - at least 7 hours per day
• Dress in loose fitting clothes so you can adjust as the temperature changes during your shift
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men"
Colossians 3:23