Cool Off When You're Overheated

Take a break in a cool zone if you are feeling symptoms of heat illness.

Management wants to keep you working as fast as possible. But when temperatures rise, you have a contractual right to rest in a cool zone to prevent heat-related illness.

This is additional to your regular contractual breaks.

• STEP 1: Recognize early signs of heat-related illness, such as fatigue, nausea, headache and cramping.
  
  
• STEP 2: Notify management. Tell them you are experiencing heat stress and you need a rest to cool down. Drivers should always use the DIAD to communicate with management.
  
  
• STEP 3: Rest and rehydrate. When you are recovered and ready to return to work, inform management. If you are struggling to recover, call emergency services.

Work As Instructed

If management tells you to clock out or use a regular break to rest from heat, follow their instructions and then file a grievance under Article 18, Section 27 (13).

Drivers: Document the violation by taking pictures of the DIAD message from management instructing you to clock out.

Inside workers: Write down the information you’ll need to help win your grievance. Tell your shop steward:

• What symptoms were you feeling?
• When did this happen. Write down the date and time?
• Who in management did you tell you were overheated and who told you to clock out?
• Witnesses to management’s violation of your rights?

Call for Medical Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, call for medical help. 

Federal law and our contract protect your right to seek emergency services free of harassment and retaliation. (Article 18, Section 27.5) 

This goes for every Teamster whether you work on a truck or in a building. 

More importantly, don’t let it get to this point. Cool off in a cool zone when you’re overheated and experiencing symptoms of heat illness. 

Download the Teamster Heat Safety toolkit at bit.ly/upsheat.

Coming Soon: Heat Safety Wallet Cards for Drivers

Local 804 is printing Heat Safety Wallet Cards that fit in your wallet. They include key information on your Article 18 rights to take a rest in a cool zone if you’re overheated.