Although summer is nearly halfway done, there are still many sultry days ahead for Amazon workers. The company highlighted in a "Working At Amazon" feature how it keeps employees cool using comprehensive planning and mitigation measures.

According to the feature, an important component of Amazon's heat planning is its site-specific Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP). Through this plan, safety teams work closely with local managers to create HIPPs customized for each facility. The planning process is a collaboration among safety professionals, HR representatives, employees, and others, with the goal of ensuring that the right mitigation measures are in place.

Amazon also provides its managers with training on how to recognize early symptoms of heat illness and mitigate risks. Risk reduction tactics encompass providing additional cooling fans, offering preventative cool-down rest periods, and rotating employee schedules. The company also raises awareness among its employees on staying hydrated, summer attire, and early detection of heat-related distress.

Another step the company takes is using advanced global weather forecasting a week or more in advance to predict outdoor conditions and calculate heat stress risks. Operations teams apply the data to activate high-heat protocols, which include increased hazard communications, buddy systems, hydration reminders, and any prescribed work/rest schedules before extreme conditions arise. The company also provides cool water or electrolyte drinks and partners with delivery service providers to give Amazon drivers extra breaks.