Extreme heat and drought have plagued some parts of the United States for many weeks. It’s stressing infrastructure in Texas and millions of Americans are experiencing triple-digit temperatures for days on end. One UPS driver showed just how the heat can affect those who work outside.
Recently Brian Enriquez, who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, got a Ring doorbell notification while he was at work. He was not able to immediately respond, but when he saw the video, he was alarmed.
In the video, the driver is seen walking up to the door carrying an envelope, then he collapses on the ground. He sits for a few moments, then appears to possibly pass out. He comes to, gets up, rings the doorbell and walks away unsteadily.
“As soon as Enriquez saw the video, he contacted Scottsdale Police for a welfare check and attempted to contact UPS, to let them know one of their employees was having trouble,” reports 12 News in Arizona.
UPS Public Relations released this statement: “We appreciate the concern for our employee and can report that he is fine. UPS drivers are trained to work outdoors and for the effects of hot weather. Our employee used his training to be aware of his situation and contact his manager for assistance, who immediately provided assistance. We never want our employees to continue working to the point that they risk their health or work in an unsafe manner.”
Temperatures in Scottsdale have been in the triple digits recently. It hit 110 degrees on the day that the UPS driver collapsed. UPS trucks have no air conditioning.
One person tweeted, “It’s about time they replace these damn cartoon vehicles with no A/C[,]” said one twitter user.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous conditions. The human body can get dangerously dehydrated in such high temperatures. UPS trucks don’t have air conditioning, so it’s no wonder this guy was having a health issue. Should UPS have to provide air-conditioned vehicles in locations where temperatures get this high?
