OSHA Inspection: U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

Issued

Mar 16, 2017

Abate by

Apr 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $72,430 · Current $36,215 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3): Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:  Instance #1:   Date of Violation: On or about 11-30-2016, and times prior thereto, located at United States Postal Service Great Bridge Station; 1100 South Battlefield Blvd. Chesapeake, VA 23322, in the employee work room rear dock area, employees were exposed to fire and entrapment hazards due to an emergency exit was blocked with pallets, boxes, and parcel.  The exit was blocked on the inside and the outside of the door on the loading dock.   Instance #2:   Date of Violation: On or about 11-30-2016, and times prior thereto, located at United States Postal Service Great Bridge Station; 1100 South Battlefield Blvd. Chesapeake, VA 23322, in the employee work room area beside the mail sorting desk #RR43, employees were exposed to fire and entrapment hazards due to an emergency exit was blocked by sorting desks, mail containers/hampers, and a trash can.   The United States Postal Service was previously cited for the same violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard OSH ACT of 1970 Section 29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1075593, serious citation number 1, item number 2 and was affirmed as a final order on 01-08-16, with respect to a workplace located at U.S. Postal Service Harrisburg, PA.  The United States Postal Service was previously cited for the same violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard OSH ACT of 1970 Section 29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1122884, repeat citation number 1, item number 5 and was affirmed as a final order on 08-09-16, with respect to a workplace located at U.S. Postal Service Silver Spring, MD.  The United States Postal Service was previously cited for the same violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard OSH ACT of 1970 Section 29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1156806, repeat citation number 1, item number 2 and was affirmed as a final order on 01-17-17, with respect to a workplace located at U.S. Postal Service Baltimore, MD.  Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states employee(s) and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

Mar 16, 2017

Abate by

Apr 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $9,054 · Current $4,527 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(a)(5): Enclosed workplaces were not so constructed, equipped, and maintained as to prevent the entrance or harborage of rodents, insects, or other vermin:    (a) Date of Violation: On or about 11-30-2016 and times prior thereto located at United States Postal Service Great Bridge Station; 1100 South Battlefield Blvd. Chesapeake, VA 23322, in the employee break room, employee(s) were exposed to the presence of cockroaches inside and around the microwave and the countertop area.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states employee(s) and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

Mar 16, 2017

Abate by

Apr 11, 2017

Penalty

Initial $36,215 · Current $9,054 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B): Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used:  Where run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors;    (a) Date of Violation: On or about 11-30-2016 and times prior thereto located at United States Postal Service Great Bridge Station; 1100 South Battlefield Blvd. Chesapeake, VA 23322, in the employee work room "Letter and Flat Distribution area", employee(s) were exposed to electrical and electrical fire hazards where a homemade temporary extension cord with a 4-way electrical outlet junction box passed through a hole in the false ceiling tile.  The cord itself was laying against and not protected from the metal false-ceiling support structural grid.    The United States Postal Service was previously cited for the same violation of this Occupational Safety and Health Standard OSH ACT of 1970 Section 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(IV)(B), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 439053, other than serious citation number 1, item number 3 and was affirmed as a final order on 07-12-12, with respect to a workplace located at U.S. Postal Service Virginia Beach, VA.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states employee(s) and their representatives were informed of this abatement.