Workers Push for Air-Conditioned Delivery Trucks and More Regulations on Heat Exposure

With the increase of online shopping, there has been a rapid growth in the number of delivery trucks on the road. Consumers expect their goods to be delivered on time to their door – even in extreme weather conditions, such as record hot temperatures. In a recent investigation, NBC News explored the difficult situations UPS drivers face when delivering packages in record hot temperatures without air conditioning in their trucks or loading facilities. These conditions place workers at a high risk of heat-related illnesses, a fact that is not lost on workers who are pushing for more oversight from OSHA.

According to NBC, trucks can reach 140 degrees or higher, recording temperatures as hot as hot as 152 degrees. Since 2015, at least 107 UPS workers in 23 states have been hospitalized for heat-related illnesses. The U.S. Postal Service, which does not air-condition most of its trucks and has hundreds of thousands more employees than UPS, is the only employer with more incidents reported to OSHA.

Despite these terrible work conditions, UPS has no plans to air-condition their delivery trucks. And drivers reported to NBC that they don’t feel comfortable complaining because they can’t afford to lose their jobs. Just because UPS does not want to disturb its profit margin, it does not mean the multibillion-dollar company cannot provide a safer work environment for its workers and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

Protecting the Rights of Injured Workers

Delivery trucks are just like any other work environment. They need to be safe and must not provide a high risk of injury to the employees who utilize the trucks as their daily workplace. When employers fail to provide safe work environment, such as air conditioning for delivery trucks in extremely hot weather, workers can get seriously injured. The victims and their loved ones may have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.

At Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., we understand the consequences that work site accidents have on the lives of victims and the lives of their loved ones. In fact, senior partner and lead trial attorney Jeff S. Korek grew up in the construction industry and has first-hand knowledge of the inherent dangers in this kind of work. Such experience allows us to aggressively fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation that you deserve.

We Can Help You If You Are Injured

When you are injured in a work-related accident, you need to hire an experienced New York work accident injury attorney to protect your legal rights. The attorneys at Gersowitz Libo & Korek P.C. have more than 40 years of experience and knowledge to aggressively fight for your rights and get you the full extent of the monetary compensation that you deserve.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our New York work accident injury attorneys, please call 1-800-529-9997.