Labor minister orders immediate fixes after finding heat risks at courier hub

Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon conducted an unannounced night inspection of a courier logistics center in Paju on Friday, ordering immediate improvements after finding key work areas lacked temperature sensors and adequate cooling facilities.

Kim arrived around 8 p.m. to verify compliance with five basic heat safety rules: cool water, air conditioning, mandatory rest breaks, cooling gear and emergency reporting systems. He examined loading docks and sorting areas where high physical exertion combines with heat trapped during the day and generated by delivery vehicles. The visit was driven by concerns that night shifts remain vulnerable to heat illness as high humidity and vehicle heat persist after sunset, even as the government raised the heat disaster crisis alert to the highest level.

The inspection revealed that humidity and temperature gauges were missing in major work zones, while air-conditioned rest areas were absent near worksites. Kim instructed management to rectify these deficiencies immediately so workers can stop and lower their body temperatures when needed.

"Just because the sun has set does not mean the heat wave is over, as logistics centers face continued risks of heat-related illness at night," Kim said. "Since package volume and work speed cannot take precedence over worker lives, confirmed risks must be improved immediately, and working hours should be adjusted or operations suspended without hesitation if necessary."

The labor ministry will operate a special task force until Sept. 30 to strengthen day and night inspections of vulnerable sectors such as logistics and distribution.