USPS fined $497K for exposing workers to electrical hazards

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The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the U.S. Postal Service for workplace safety violations related to electrical hazards found at two Philadelphia facilities after receiving complaints about both locations. Combined proposed penalties total $497,000.

OSHA's inspections of the Network Distribution Center at 1900 Byberry Road and the Processing and Distribution Center at 7500 Lindberg Blvd. found inadequately trained employees performing work without the proper personal protective equipment while being exposed to live parts. As a result of these conditions, OSHA cited the NDC with four willful violations with a proposed penalty of $280,000. The P&DC was cited for three willful violations with a penalty of $210,000 and one serious violation with a penalty of $7,000.

"The Postal Service's disregard for workplace safety standards has left workers at these facilities exposed to unnecessary dangers including electric shock, electrocution, fires and explosions," said Al D'Imperio, director of OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office.

OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

The Postal Service has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, meet with the OSHA area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.