As this summer is expected to bring unprecedented heat, the delivery platform industry is stepping up measures to protect riders. With the risk of heat-related illnesses increasing for riders who spend long hours outdoors, companies are implementing support initiatives such as expanding rest areas, providing bottled water, and supplying heat prevention items.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on June 25, average temperatures from June to August are likely to be higher than usual. The probability of temperatures exceeding normal levels is 60% for June and July, and 50% for August.
The sea surface temperatures in the North Indian Ocean and North Pacific, which influence Korea's summer climate, are currently above average. Lee Myung-in, a professor at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) and head of the Meteorological Administration's Extreme Heat Research Center, stated, "The rise in North Pacific sea temperatures significantly increases the likelihood of heatwaves and tropical nights this summer compared to normal years."
Heatwaves greatly elevate the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and exhaustion. Delivery riders, who are exposed to direct sunlight and road heat for extended periods, are considered at higher risk than other outdoor workers. The Ministry of Employment and Labor classifies work as heat-related if the perceived temperature exceeds 31 degrees Celsius for more than two hours, and it is reported that the temperature inside delivery riders' helmets can soar above 40 degrees during heatwaves.
In response to the extreme heat forecast, the delivery industry is quickly implementing countermeasures. Woowa Brothers' subsidiary, Woowa Young, which manages logistics for Baedal Minjok, has been executing a comprehensive heat response plan for riders since early this month.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Labor, Woowa Young has operated 'Delivery Rider Rest Areas' for the third consecutive year, allowing riders to take breaks. The number of rest areas, which was about 3,000 in convenience stores in the metropolitan area last year, has significantly increased nationwide this year. The company is also distributing 700,000 bottles of water through Baemin B Mart across the country. Starting this month, water will be available at key locations, and cooling fans and circulators will be set up in waiting areas. Additionally, cooling vests and other heat prevention supplies will be provided.
The safety management system is also being strengthened. During heat advisories, when the perceived temperature exceeds 33 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days, and heat warnings, when temperatures exceed 35 degrees for two days, the company will recommend a break of at least 10 minutes within an hour through a dedicated mobile application for delivery riders. To ensure riders can take breaks without concern, customers will be informed in advance about potential delivery delays.
A Woowa Young representative stated, "This year's measures were developed to align with the Ministry of Labor's health protection policies for workers during heatwaves, expanding existing support programs. We will continue to enhance safety support that riders can genuinely feel by consistently reflecting their voices in the field."
They have stocked rest areas for mobile workers in over 50 local governments with bottled water, electrolyte drinks, cooling scarves, and other heat illness prevention supplies. In collaboration with the Korea Motorcycle Maintenance Association, they have established 'Delivery Partner Cooling Rest Areas' at over 140 maintenance centers nationwide.
A sharing campaign will also be launched until August. In cooperation with the Ministry of Labor, the Korea Labor Mutual Aid Association, and local governments, events will be held in 10 regions starting from Bucheon on June 17, providing riders with large tumblers, electrolyte drinks, and summer supplies.
In addition to heatwaves, safety guidance for severe rain and typhoons will be reinforced. Riders are advised to immediately stop deliveries and move to a safe location if they suspect symptoms of heat illness.
A Coupang Eats Service representative emphasized, "It is crucial to ensure that basic safety rules are actually followed on-site. We will continue to provide necessary support to ensure that delivery partners can operate safely in collaboration with relevant agencies."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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