Delivery Worker Faints While Frothing at the Mouth: "We Have to Bring Water from Home"

'39.4°C' High Temperature Site: Employee Complains of High Fever, Dizziness, and Respiratory Distress
Union Side "Requested Heatwave Measures from Company but... Met with Silence"

Press conference site of the National Courier Union Busan Branch. Photo by National Courier Union Busan Branch

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As a delivery worker collapsed from the heat while working in the sweltering heat for consecutive days, the labor union voiced concerns about the poor working conditions and demanded countermeasures.

At around 9:30 a.m. on the 29th, the Busan branch of the National Delivery Workers' Union held a "Press Conference Condemning Lotte Delivery for Lack of Heatwave Measures" in front of the Lotte Delivery Sasang Terminal in Busan, criticizing Lotte Delivery for neglecting the harsh working environment during the hot summer season.

According to the union, the day before (the 28th), a worker collapsed while loading deliveries, showing symptoms of hyperthermia dizziness and difficulty breathing. The employee collapsed with foam at the mouth and was subsequently transported to the hospital.

The Busan branch of the Delivery Workers' Union criticized, "While employees are working in the heatwave, not a single fan was installed. Especially at a site where 100 people work, there isn't even a water cooler, so workers have to bring water from home or buy it themselves."

They added, "The collapsed employee had been healthy without any prior illness, but showed symptoms of hyperthermia dizziness and breathing difficulties at a dangerous temperature of 39.4 degrees Celsius."

A delivery worker working at Lotte Courier Busan Sasang Terminal was unconscious and transported to the hospital on the morning of July 28. Photo by Busan Branch of the National Courier Union

The union stated, "We have repeatedly requested the company to install fans, ventilation facilities, water coolers, and ice makers as heatwave countermeasures, but they have consistently ignored us. After the accident, when we visited the Lotte Delivery West Busan branch to protest, they only then said they would respond with countermeasures by next week," expressing their grievance.

They added, "We will continue to fight until heatwave countermeasures such as fans, ventilation facilities, water coolers, and ice makers are put in place."

Lotte Courier Busan Sasang Terminal On-site Temperature. Photo by Busan Branch of the National Courier Union

Earlier, on the 23rd, a Lotte Delivery employee collapsed in a vehicle at the Seoul Complex Logistics Center and was taken to the hospital. It was also reported that there were no fans around the workplace. Additionally, on the 26th and 27th, two employees affiliated with CJ Logistics Seongnam Terminal each experienced breathing difficulties during work and were transported to the hospital.

Delivery Workers' Union Busan branch chief Kwon Yong-seong urged, "The delivery industry must establish heatwave countermeasures as soon as possible to prevent further harm to delivery workers."

In response, a Lotte representative explained, "The accident occurred at an outdoor collection site where installing ventilation facilities is difficult, so fans are being used, and water is available within seven agencies."