In the world of technology, communication happens with the click of a few buttons. While we progress with such advancements, there is no denying that postal services remain an integral part of our economy for sending hand-written letters, parcels, rakhis, and important documents. World Postal Day, celebrated on 9th October, highlights this significance and addresses the contribution of postal workers. Read on to explore these aspects further.

World Postal Day observes the anniversary of the Union Postal Union (UPU) worldwide. Nations around the globe use this day to hold special exhibitions for communicating the importance of postal services in our everyday lives. The goal is also to recognise the effort of postal workers who ensure timely deliveries despite all odds.

Postal workers work tirelessly to maintain efficiency. They undergo several challenges while executing their duties, affecting their health. Some of the concerns include:

As postal executives travel through roadways to deliver your mail, they get exposed to vehicle emissions. Such exposure gives rise to various respiratory health problems like asthma, reduced lung capacity, bronchitis, lung cancer, etc. Wearing masks can limit this to some extent but cannot wholly prevent the ill effects of polluted air.

Physical exertion is an undeniable side-effect of delivering mail and parcels across India. Over time, postal workers develop the agility to cope with physical exhaustion. But visiting challenging landscapes, especially in underdeveloped areas, can drastically impact health. This includes strained muscle that becomes a recurring discomfort.

The human skin is sensitive to UV exposure. On the surface level, we might not see any ill effects. However, the excessive hours spent in the harsh sun make the skin develop wrinkles and lines as time passes. Sun exposure also increases the risk of skin cancer. Since postal workers deliver mail orders in broad daylight, they are at a higher risk of contracting skin issues.

While delivery executives working for the postal department are out and about, the officials in charge of accepting orders work from the office. They spend considerable time in a sedentary posture, which is the primary cause of back pain, spinal discomfort, obesity, stroke, high blood pressure, and other physical health issues.

Government officials work regardless of the situational hazards to deliver the post promptly. The only exceptions are official holidays and overbearing climatic conditions. You could notice this dedication even during the pandemic when postal services aided in delivering essential supplies. Such actions pose unavoidable health risks.

The postal department provides life insurance benefits to managers and delivery executives. In India, this is mainly covered under postal life insurance, compensating family members if their employees die or suffer from physical disabilities. However, postal employees also need a good health insurance policy that protects them against the many physical and mental ailments resulting from their long working hours, indoors or outdoors.

If you have a loved one working for the postal department, you can assure their medical safety. Gift them a life-saving health insurance policy this World Postal Day.