Injured While Delivering in the Heat? Workers’ Comp Rights for UPS Drivers in NY

Summers in New York are known for being brutal, and temperatures are only going up in the next few years. For UPS drivers, the oppressive heat can cause serious health conditions if they’re not careful. This is especially true if you work long routes with limited breaks in between.

Thankfully, New York’s workers’ comp system offers a financial lifeline for workers who suffer from heat-related injuries on the job. Learn more about legal rights and how you can qualify for benefits.

Heat-Related Hazards UPS Drivers Face In New York

According to the Washington Post, at least 143 UPS drivers were hospitalized for heat injuries between 2015 and 2022. With temperatures steadily rising year after year, we can only expect the number of heat injuries to be even higher over time.

While most modern trucks are equipped with A/C and are relatively comfortable, these systems can break and turn the inside of a car into a literal oven. Combine this with constantly lifting heavy boxes and being exposed to the hot sun for hours, and you’ll see why some drivers come down with heat-related health conditions during the hottest months of the year.

Does New York’s Workers’ Comp Cover Heat-Related Injuries?

Yes, New York covers heat-related injuries or illnesses as long as they happened while you were at work. If your claim is successful, the system will cover full medical treatment, lost wages, and permanent disability (if applicable).

The state also functions under a no-fault system. This means you won’t need to prove who’s responsible for your injuries. As long as you notified your employer and have detailed evidence of your work-related illness, you can qualify for benefits.

Some common scenarios for UPS drivers would include:

• Getting heat exhaustion after prolonged sun exposure
• Experiencing heat stroke while working in a truck with no A/C
• Getting dehydrated after lifting boxes for hours without a water break
• Fainting due to hot weather and physical exhaustion

What To Do If You Have A Work-Related Heat Injury

If you’ve suffered from a work-related heat illness, here’s what you need to do:

Notify Your Employer

Employees have 30 days from the time of injury to notify their employer about a workplace incident. However, we advise you to do it as soon as you can. Failure to meet the deadline will lead to your claim getting dismissed.

Get Medical Help

Even “mild” symptoms of heat illnesses could turn deadly if you don’t seek help. If you’re feeling sick, get emergency help ASAP to get the treatment you need. Your medical evaluation can also serve as part of your claim’s evidence.

File The Right Paperwork

Besides notifying your employer, you’ll need to file a C-3 Form within two years of the accident. Our lawyers recommend you file this as soon as you can to initiate your claim and avoid any potential issues.

Start Your Workers’ Comp Claim

Don’t wait until it’s too late to file your claim. Our New York workers’ compensation lawyers will help you file your paperwork and guide you through the whole process. Our team has decades of experience helping injured UPS workers secure the benefits they’re entitled to. If you have any questions or want to schedule a free case review, contact us at 855-599-2141 today.