MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) has allowed mail carriers to make deliveries from 6 a.m. until noon to protect themselves against heat exhaustion and heat stroke, Postmaster General Luis Carlos said yesterday.
The remainder of the carriers’ eight-hour workday would be used for other activities such as scanning or updating delivery information in the system, walk sorting and preparing the mail for next day’s delivery, Carlos said in a statement.
He reminded PHLPost’s managers and supervisors to implement measures to prevent heat-related illnesses among employees, who are encouraged to dress in lightweight, light-colored and loose clothing and wear a hat.
“We have to reach out to every letter carrier and make sure they’re aware of the dangers caused by high temperatures and humidity. Their wellbeing is our utmost concern. Keeping hydrated is the carrier’s best defense against the summer heat,” Carlos said.
He added that letter carriers should take a break when there is prolonged exposure to heat and are encouraged to find shaded, air-conditioned and well-ventilated places to cool off.
When they go home, they should have a shower or sponge bath to lower their body temperature, Carlos said.