The Ministry of Science and ICT's Korea Post said on May 28 it will operate a "special safety and health management period for postal workers" to protect employees' safety and health from summer weather conditions such as heatwaves and heavy rain.

The special period will run from June 1 to Oct. 2. Korea Post plans to cut the number of safety accidents by 10 percent from last year and actively work to prevent heat-related illness. It will spend about 1.4 billion won to provide workers with supplies to prevent heat-related illness. It will also provide training on early symptoms, prevention and first aid measures.

Korea Post will guide delivery workers to conduct self-checks for symptoms of heat-related illness while working, take regular breaks and drink enough water. If there is a risk of accidents due to factors including heavy rain, strong winds and worsening weather conditions, it will immediately halt work for field staff and have them evacuate to a safe place or return to the post office.

At post office logistics centers, it will maintain an appropriate indoor temperature of 26 to 28 degrees Celsius by managing entrances and operating air conditioners. Workers will do stretching exercises and check equipment before work.

Korea Post chief Park In-hwan (박인환) said ensuring employees' safety and protecting their health are most important. He said Korea Post will do its best to protect employees and provide stable postal services so all postal workers can work safely and healthily.