FedEx driver crashed into Auburn home due to heat exhaustion, officials say
AUBURN -- Authorities say a FedEx driver suffered heat exhaustion, leading them to crash into an Auburn house on Monday.
Auburn police say the delivery driver was evaluated at the scene by first responders and was found to be OK.
The incident happened near Mt. Vernon Road and Grove Court. Battalion Chief Robert Zaucha for the Auburn Fire Department said there were people inside the home at the time of the crash, but no one was injured.
"There were people inside. Luckily, it didn't hit anything major," Zaucha said. "No utilities and no gas lines were damaged."
While the damage to the home was minor, the debate over protecting delivery drivers during hot summer months is a nationwide topic. Just last month, UPS tentatively reached a deal with union workers to provide air conditioning in all delivery vehicles purchased at the start of the new year.
CBS13 reached out to FedEx asking if similar steps are being taken to ensure protections for their delivery drivers. In a statement, FedEx said:
"Safety is always our priority, and we encourage our team members and service providers across FedEx to take precautions in the hot weather by staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks, and recognizing the signs of heat related illnesses. We issue reminders of the importance of closely monitoring working conditions and taking appropriate measures to address any issues that may arise. FedEx-owned vehicles have air conditioning. Service provider businesses own and operate their own vehicles and are contractually obligated to comply with all laws related to their safe operation."
The Biden Administration is also taking steps to protect workers by issuing new federal regulations about heat warning systems for employers and increasing inspections of other high-risk workplaces. Listed among those are farms and construction sites. There has been no word on if these federal regulations will include major delivery companies.
