October 2, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Cites U.S. Postal Service
For Repeat Safety Violations at Austin Facility

AUSTIN, TX – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for safety hazards after receiving a complaint of unsafe working conditions at an Austin, Texas, facility. The company faces proposed penalties totaling $224,585.

OSHA's investigation determined that an employee suffered injuries after being ejected from a powered industrial truck, and cited USPS for failing to ensure powered industrial truck operators obeyed traffic regulations, exposing employees to trip hazards, and failing to label electrical panels and breakers.

USPS has 15 business days from receipt of citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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 help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

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Media Contacts:

Juan J. Rodríguez, 972-850-4709, rodriguez.juan@dol.gov
Chauntra Rideaux, 972-850-4710, rideaux.chauntra@dol.gov

Release Number: 18-1396-DAL

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).