[비즈한국] Amidst the relentless heatwave, fatal accidents involving courier workers are occurring one after another. Some logistics companies are beginning to implement heatwave response measures to guarantee the health rights of their delivery personnel. The labor union is emphasizing that these measures must be expanded across the entire industry.
Fatal Accidents of Courier Workers Continue in Sweltering Heat, "Government Intervention Needed"
In early July, when Seoul saw temperatures near 38 degrees Celsius—the most severe heatwave recorded in 118 years—three workers in the delivery sector died in succession. On July 4, a courier agency manager in the Incheon area, identified as Mr. A, arrived at work at 7:00 AM. After performing tasks such as work inspections and sorting, he headed to his vehicle for a break around 8:30 AM. However, he was found unresponsive in the vehicle at 11:00 AM and was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.
On the 7th, a delivery driver named Mr. B, who was in charge of deliveries in the Yeoksam-dong area of Seoul, collapsed shortly after arriving at work at 7:00 AM due to symptoms of vomiting; he was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. On the 8th, Mr. C, a delivery driver working at an agency in the Yeoncheon area of Gyeonggi Province, returned home at 7:00 PM, had dinner, and was discovered unconscious in his room around 9:00 PM. He was immediately transported to the hospital but died.
Although the causal link between the heatwave and these deaths remains unconfirmed, the Korea Courier Workers' Union has called for emergency measures following the consecutive fatalities. The union stated, "Just as the weakest link breaks first under pressure, heat-related deaths are occurring primarily among the elderly and those with underlying conditions. Courier workers, who must load parcels outdoors and walk or run over 20,000 to 30,000 steps a day to make deliveries in heat so intense that even standing still causes dizziness, are taking a direct hit. Urgent countermeasures are required."
On the 11th, the Countermeasure Committee for Overwork Deaths of Courier Workers held a joint civil society press conference in front of the Yongsan Presidential Office, calling for "emergency heatwave countermeasures for courier workers and the implementation of 'No Delivery Day'." They also delivered an open letter to the President requesting direct intervention regarding the heatwave.
Progressive Party lawmaker Jeong Hye-kyung stated, "There is a constant stream of reports that sub-terminals and camps, where parcel loading takes place, lack not only air conditioners but even sufficient electric fans. The government needs to directly intervene in these life-threatening courier company systems to conduct emergency inspections and take immediate action."
On the same day, the government announced an amendment to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Rules, mandating at least 20 minutes of break time every two hours when the perceived temperature reaches 33 degrees Celsius or higher. However, this clause only applies to "employees" under the Labor Standards Act. Most delivery drivers are classified as special-employment workers, leaving them in a blind spot for protection.
In the murderous heat, delivery drivers are fighting a battle against the elements. One driver lamented, "I frequently experience symptoms of vomiting and feel dizzy. I carry glucose or salt tablets and keep my icebox filled with iced water, but it's still hard to hold on."
CJ Logistics and Hanjin002320 Prepare Alternatives; What About Other Companies?
As concerns about the health rights of courier workers grow amidst the sweltering heat, logistics companies are moving to prepare response measures. CJ Logistics officially announced comprehensive heatwave response measures on the 11th. The company decided to guarantee the autonomous right of delivery drivers to stop work and committed not to hold them accountable for delayed deliveries.
Furthermore, to ensure sufficient rest, they are mandating a 10-minute break every 50 minutes or a 20-minute break every 100 minutes at all workplaces. They also plan to designate August 14 and 15 as "No Delivery Day" to allow all drivers to take a break.
A CJ Logistics official said, "Given the record-breaking heat, we will prioritize the health of our logistics center and delivery personnel and do our utmost in safety management. We ask for our customers' broad understanding if there are any inconveniences due to delivery delays."
Hanjin also announced that it would operate working hours flexibly to consider the safety and health of its delivery drivers. The company plans to support flexible scheduling to avoid deliveries during the hottest hours of the day. In addition, they plan to provide bottled ice water to all delivery drivers nationwide and operate additional hub terminals to allow drivers to concentrate their work during morning hours.
The Overwork Death Countermeasure Committee is demanding: prohibition of disadvantages due to 'delivery delays' during heatwave periods; emergency support for cooling equipment at all logistics terminals, camps, and delivery hubs; a ban on sorting and additional tasks (such as fresh-bag collection) during heatwaves; and ensuring that the August 14 'No Delivery Day' is implemented by all courier companies. They emphasize that the entire industry must adopt these measures. The committee pointed out, "The heatwave is not optional. It is a life-threatening danger that hits everyone, and at this very moment, someone is collapsing under the scorching sun. A statement from major courier companies, including Coupang (CLS), is urgently needed."