Korea DC Associates Work Through Record Heat Wave
Associates at the Korea Distribution Center take a break to cool down from record temperatures gripping the entire peninsula.
Despite the record heat gripping the Korean Peninsula, associates at the Korea Distribution Center keep working to ship merchandise to Exchange customers throughout the country.
The distribution center’s 11 buildings at Camp Market aren’t air conditioned, simply because the country isn’t that normally hot. Nearly 130 associates work at the DC.
“We’ve created cooling stations out of shipping containers for our associates to go and get out of the heat,” Pak, Yong-Min, the center’s manager. “We’ve had cooling stations in the past, but these cooling stations this year have played a critical role, each being equipped with large air-conditioning units and water dispensers.
“Walking from one building to another at the Korea DC, you can instantly feel the burning sting of the sun on your skin. It’s quite literally breathtaking, even at night. Nobody can sleep.”
Temperatures above 100
Temperatures have soared above 100 degrees since mid-July in the worst heat wave in 100 years. The weather alert reached black—the most dangerous—at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan for four straight days. The garrison is an hour’s drive from the Korea DC.
“Walking from one building to another at the Korea DC, you can instantly feel the burning sting of the sun on your skin.”
-Pak, Yong-Min, manager, Korea DC
The Korean Times reported this month that the scorching weather isn’t going away anytime soon, almost as if the entire Korean Peninsula is trapped under a heat dome. Normal high temperatures across South Korea during early August range from 84-88 F. By mid-August, daytime temperatures were still averaging about 95.
Some distribution center associates who work directly in the sun use umbrellas or wide-brimmed hats for shade.
“Our associates are encouraged to take breaks when needed, and we are approving extra breaks during these warm periods,” Mr. Pak said. “We’re providing plenty of cold Gatorade and ice bars.”
‘One hot family’ serving family
Associates use a buddy system to look after one another, recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, stay hydrated, pace themselves and ask for help if needed.
Fortunately, the DC hasn’t had any heat-related injuries. The DC also hasn’t registered a recordable accident in nearly 1,700 days—an Exchange record, Mr. Pak said.
“We are continuing to live up to the core value, ‘Family Serving Family,’ but we’re one hot family right now,” Mr. Pak said.
Stores throughout Korea feeling heat
At Exchanges throughout South Korea, managers are warning associates to take special precautions and added heat advisories to their staff meetings. They are stressing the importance of staying hydrated.
Ann Yi, general manager of the Yongsan-based Northern Consolidated Exchanges, encourages associates to take frequent water breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Debra Melton, store manager at the Camp Humphreys Exchange, agrees.
“We stress watching your fellow associates,” Melton said. “In our outdoor living department, no associates actually stay out in the heat. They water the plants early in the morning and late at night, and only go outside for customer assistance.”
Brian Sonntag, general manager of the Korea Southern Exchange, said his associates keep an eye on each other and build in the proper work-rest cycles to combat heat stress.
“Hand-held battery-operated fans,” he added, “are real hits with customers this year.”
