As summer temperatures rise in the northern hemisphere, preparedness and prevention are paramount to the health and safety of Amazon's operations teams and delivery partners. Well in advance of the warmest months, we implement comprehensive planning and mitigation measures to help keep employees and partners safe from heat-related illnesses.
Safety is the top priority at Amazon. We employ over 9,000 dedicated safety professionals globally, who work daily to implement robust policies, procedures, and preventative measures for workplace safety. The goal is to model an exemplary commitment to safety under our roofs, on the road, and at every site where we operate, ensuring all employees and partners have the safest possible workplace – even in hot weather conditions.
A core element of Amazon's heat planning is the site-specific Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP). Safety teams work closely with local managers to develop and regularly update customised HIPPs tailored to each facility's unique needs. The cross-functional planning process involves input from safety professionals, HR representatives, employees, and others to ensure the right mitigation measures are in place.
Most Amazon buildings are air conditioned, while others utilise evaporative cooling systems and fans to maintain safe temperatures. The HIPP includes detailed protocols for measuring temperatures and humidity levels, both inside facilities and in outdoor work areas using stationary sensors as well as mobile handheld devices. By monitoring the combination of heat and humidity, sites can determine appropriate heat stress levels and immediately implement corresponding prevention and safety response measures.
Manager training is a critical component, ensuring leaders can recognise early symptoms of heat illness and quickly mitigate risks through measures like providing additional cooling fans, facilitating preventative cool-down rest periods, rotating employee schedules, and more. We also emphasise employee awareness through training on proper hydration, suitable summer attire, and early detection of heat-related distress.
In addition to comprehensive site preparedness, we rely on advanced global weather forecasting at least a week in advance to predict outdoor conditions and calculate heat stress risks. This data enables operations teams to proactively activate high heat protocols with increased hazard communications, buddy systems, hydration reminders, and any prescribed work/rest schedules before extreme conditions arise. As part of the plan, sites provide suitably cool water or electrolyte drinks, and we also work with delivery service partners so drivers can take extra breaks.
Amazon is proud of the multi-layered investments made to support the safety and wellbeing of employees and partners across our vast logistics network. As we continue to innovate and enhance our operations, an obsession with safety remains woven into the core culture, providing the safest possible work experience no matter the season.
