safety

USPS issues proposed regulation aimed at overweight packages

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The Postal Service recently published an advanced notice requesting comments on how the Postal Service should proceed to prevent overweight items from entering into the postal network. After considering the comments received, the Postal Service is now moving forward to propose amendment of the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual, (DMM) to prevent overweight items from entering the postal network. Continue reading →

APWU Doesn’t Support USPS “Safety Ambassador” Program

APWU, postal, safety 1 Comment
From the American Postal Workers Union:

03/16/2018 – The APWU was informed on October 26, 2017 of the Postal Service’s intent to roll out a new program called the Safety Ambassador Program. The Postal Service intends to replace the safety captain program, and any other local safety programs, with this “standardized” and nationally controlled program. The American Postal Workers Union does not support, agree with, or endorse this program. Continue reading →

OSHA fines USPS $178K after inspectors find safety hazards at Merrifield VA distribution center

OSHA, postal, safety 4 Comments

Employer name: U.S. Postal Service Processing and Distribution Center

Inspection site: 8409 Lee Hwy, Merrifield, Virginia

Citations issued: On Dec. 12, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations to the postal service for three repeat and two serious safety violations, including one issued as a violation of the OSH Act’s general duty clause. Continue reading →

OSHA fines USPS $342K after workers exposed to bloodborne pathogen hazards at Brooklyn, Maryland, annex

OSHA, postal, safety

Employer name: U.S. Postal Service LLC, doing business as Brooklyn South Carrier Annex

Inspection site: 1500 Cherry Hill Road, Brooklyn, Maryland

Citations issued: On Nov. 22, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations to the postal service for one serious, two willful, and three repeat health violations. Continue reading →

OSHA: Iowa USPS facility exposes workers to mold, electrical hazards from unrepaired water leak

OSHA, postal, safety

Employer name: U.S. Postal Service, 116 Oak St., Moorhead, Iowa

Citations issued: March 24, 2016

Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration‘s Des Moines Area Office cited the postal facility for one repeated and four serious safety violations.

The citations follow an October 2015 OSHA investigation of a complaint alleging visible mold in the vestibule area of the postal facility. An investigation found workers exposed to slips, electrical hazards and respiratory illness because water was leaking into the facility causing the mold to form and also dripping onto the electrical panel.

Quote: “Employers must make visual assessment of their facilities on a routine basis and promptly repair maintenance issues that can cause an illness, slips, falls and other injuries,” said Larry Davidson, OSHA’s area director in Des Moines.

Proposed Penalties: $63,500

View Citations here.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Des Moines Area Office at 515-284-4701.