My son, like many other delivery drivers, faces health risks on a daily basis just to do his job. Delivering packages in the searing heat of Texas without a respite is a norm for him. He receives no breaks, has a limited supply of drinking water, and works in trucks without air conditioning. His job is vital, but it is also hazardous. Recently, he collapsed whilst delivering a package, unable to move or call for help. Thankfully, the homeowners found him and provided him with water before calling an ambulance. His health suffered because of the inhumane conditions in which he is expected to work.

This is not an isolated case. There are many other drivers across the country facing the same harsh conditions. Some employers, such as FedEx, impose extended shifts on their drivers, forcing them to work in these conditions for extended periods. There are no established laws guarding the rights and health of delivery drivers, only company guidelines which are often inadequate and ineffective.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), high temperatures and strenuous physical activity can lead to heat exhaustion, which if left untreated can lead to heat stroke - a life-threatening condition. Yet despite these risks, these delivery services continue to ignore these concerns and place their workers in unsafe environments.

Our delivery drivers deserve better. They are crucial to our economy and society, especially in these trying times when homes and businesses alike rely heavily on their services. Therefore, it's necessary to propose legislation that includes mandatory break times, provision for hydration, regulated working hours, and adequate health facilities for drivers in this industry.

Help protect our delivery drivers’ health and wellbeing. This is a dire issue that needs immediate attention. Sign this petition and let us make our voices heard.

**Heat Affects Health in Many Ways
Warmer temperatures increase the risk for a diverse range of health risks. For example:

An increased risk of hospitalization for heart disease.
Heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke if not treated, can cause critical illness, brain injury,
and even death.
Worsening asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)as heat increases the production of ground-level ozone.
Dehydration, which can lead to kidney injury and blood pressure problems. Some kidney damage can become irreversible with repeated or untreated injury.
Mental health and substance use risks, including loss of sleep and slowing of brain cognition, and heightened risk of increased acute psychiatric and substance use symptoms among people with chronic behavioral health conditions.
Some medications increase the risk of heat-related illness. These include diuretic medicines (sometimes called “water pills”), antihistamine medicines (including many allergy medicines), and many antipsychotic medicines used to treat a variety of psychiatric and neurologic illnesses. Please review this list of common psychiatric medications - PDFthat can impair the body’s normal ability to cool itself, as well as this list of tips for coping with hot weather for people who take medications - PDF.