As local temperatures hit record highs this week, a United States Postal Service worker died while working his route in a Dallas neighborhood.
Eugene Gates, 66, collapsed on Tuesday in the front yard of a Lakewood residence. A neighbor performed CPR on Gates, but he was later pronounced dead. He worked for USPS for 36 years, according to the National Association of Letter Carriers.
The cause of death is pending autopsy, but the “oppressive heat” that The Dallas Express reported the metroplex expected early in the week is thought to have contributed. The heat index reached 115 degrees on Tuesday, the highest it has reached since 1980, per NBC 5 DFW.
“The Postal Service is deeply saddened by the loss of life suffered yesterday involving a Lakewood Post Office Letter Carrier,” USPS said in a statement, according to ABC 23 Bakersfield. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this time.”
In an effort to preempt such occurrences, USPS created the Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP) to help workers be proactive about heat-related illnesses. The program identifies multiple types of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke, rash, and cramps. In addition to educating workers about recognizing symptoms, the program offers various recommendations for workers to proactively fight against these illnesses.
Through HIPP, USPS stresses that prevention is key and encourages workers to “drink at least 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes.” According to HIPP, appropriate dress in warm weather — including “light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing” — is essential to regulate body temperature, as is avoiding direct sunlight.
While these recommendations may be helpful to drivers, the Independent reported that per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), roughly 70% of postal trucks are not air-conditioned.
USPS has previously been cited by OSHA for purported health violations related to heat-related illness, including over the July 2018 death of a Southern California mail carrier.
OSHA issued a press release in 2019 regarding the incident, explaining that the Woodland Hills Post Office employee died of hyperthermia while delivering mail in temperatures of 117 degrees.
“The U.S. Postal Service knows the dangers of working in high-heat conditions and is required to address employee safety in these circumstances,” said then-OSHA Oakland Area Office Director Amber Rose. “USPS is responsible for establishing work practices to protect mail carriers who work outdoors from the hazards of extreme temperatures.”
Chase Thomas, who lives in the neighborhood where Gates worked, said in addition to high temperatures, residents aren’t used to the unusually high humidity.
“[Gates’ death is] definitely sad, you know,” Thomas told NBC 5 DFW. “This time of year it can be dangerous being out in the heat in the afternoon.”