Region 3 News Release: 10-777-PHI (osha 10-80)
June 8, 2010
Contact: Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5102
E-mail: uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA fines US Postal Service nearly $500,000
for exposing workers to electrical hazards at 2 Philadelphia facilities

PHILADELPHIA - 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. This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office; telephone: 215-597-4955. To report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742.

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.

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