Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

Department of Labor Logo OSHA News Release -
Boston
Region


Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.

 

Region 1 News Release: 10-1022-BOS/BOS 2010-330
Thurs., July 29, 2010
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: 617-565-2074
Email: fitzgerald.edmund@dol.gov

 

US Labor Department's OSHA proposes $420,000 in fines against US Postal
Service for electrical hazards at Vermont mail processing facility

CONCORD, N.H. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the U.S. Postal Service for six alleged willful violations of safety standards following an inspection at the White River Junction Processing and Distribution Center in White River Junction, Vt. The Postal Service faces a total of $420,000 in fines, chiefly for exposing workers to electrical hazards.

OSHA's inspection, which began Jan. 30, 2010, in response to worker complaints, found untrained or unqualified employees at the White River Junction distribution center routinely performing troubleshooting, servicing, voltage testing and maintenance on or near live electrical equipment, such as mail sorting and cancelling machines. The machines had not first been deenergized and the workers also lacked personal protective equipment, insulated tools and were not provided electrical lockout/tagout procedures to use.

"The conditions cited here exposed workers to the swift and potentially deadly hazards of electric shock, arc flashes and arc blasts," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. "This large fine reflects both the gravity of these hazards and the Postal Service's ongoing knowledge of and failure to correct them."

As a result of its inspection, OSHA has issued six willful citations to the Postal Service for the conditions at the White River Junction facility. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.

The Postal Service has 15 business days from receipt of its latest citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with the OSHA area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Concord, N.H., Area Office; telephone 603-225-1629. To report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742.

The U.S. Department of Labor has filed an enterprise-wide complaint against the U.S. Postal Service for electrical work safety violations. The complaint asks the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission to order the USPS to correct electrical violations at all its facilities nationwide. This complaint marks the first time OSHA has sought enterprise-wide relief as a remedy.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

###


U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.