‘He was dripping with sweat’: Kroger worker dies in hot work conditions in Memphis
Summary
Date Reported: 8 Sep 2023
Location: United States of America
Companies
Kroger - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: 1
Workers: ( 1 - Location unknown , Supermarkets & grocery , Gender not reported )Issues
Heat exposure , Occupational Health & Safety , DeathsResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Resource Centre
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: In response to Rufus’s death, Kroger responded to the Resource Centre: "We were saddened by the tragic death of an associate in one of our Memphis Distribution centers, and our hearts are with the associate’s family. Kroger remains dedicated to providing a safe and secure work environment for our associates to support their well-being, and we continue to work to understand more about this incident. We have the following processes in place to meet or exceed industry standards: hydration stations including electrolyte-enhanced beverages; an internal safety committee comprised of dedicated associates for a collaborative and inclusive approach to creating and maintaining a safe workplace; weekly facility safety audits; and ongoing collaboration with the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) to review and continue to offer the appropriate safety measures." The investigation into Rufus’s death continues, according to the Memphis police department.
Source type: News outlet
A Kroger distribution center employee has died on the job in Memphis amid hot working conditions, adding to a national debate in the US over the risk to workers during heatwaves.
The worker was identified as Tony Rufus, members from his union announced.
Leaders from Teamsters 667, the local labor union, said Rufus was trying to cool off in the produce section after becoming overheated on Friday night. Rufus worked in the salvage department, a part of the facility that did not have air conditioning. The Memphis police department found Rufus dead at 8.13pm.
“Guys said he was dripping with sweat, asking for water,” union leader Maurice Wiggins told Fox13.
Wiggins said Rufus died on a dock in front of his co-workers. His death comes after his union had been asking the company for more breaks, cooler temperatures and drinks other than just water.
In response to Rufus’s death, Kroger issued a statement: “The safety of our associates has always been our top priority…
The investigation into Rufus’s death continues, according to the Memphis police department.
Unions across the country are demanding better, cooler working conditions as the record-breaking heat felt this summer rages on…