OSHA Inspection: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

Issued

Sep 26, 2018

Abate by

Jun 3, 2019

Penalty

Initial $8,130 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(a)(4): Modifications and additions which affect capacity and safe operation of powered industrial truck(s) were performed by the employer without the manufacturer's prior written approval.    On or about 2 May 2018, and at times prior thereto, three Toyota Tow Motors were being used within the Tuscany Way facility with an unapproved tow hitch welded to the back rest of the vehicle, affecting the safe operation of the vehicle, and exposing the operators and those nearby to the hazard of being struck by the load being towed, components and pieces of the vehicle, or the vehicle itself.

Issued

Sep 26, 2018

Abate by

Jun 3, 2019

Penalty

Initial $12,195 · Current $12,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(iii): Powered industrial truck(s) or specialized industrial truck(s), with the operator dismounted and within 25 feet of the truck still in his view, did not have the load engaging means fully lowered, controls neutralized, and the brakes set to prevent movement.    The employer does not ensure that Operators stop Powered Industrial Trucks before dismounting.  Toyota Tow Motor #18: On 3 April 2018, an Operator was observed dismounting a Toyota Tow Motor vehicle prior to coming to a complete stop, exposing himself and others nearby to the hazard of being struck by the load being towed, components and pieces of the vehicle, or the vehicle itself.

Issued

Sep 26, 2018

Abate by

Jun 3, 2019

Penalty

Initial $50,815 · Current $9,239 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(3): Walking-working surfaces were not maintained free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.    On or about 3 April 2018, and at times prior thereto, maintenance personnel accessing the DIOS 24 machine from the back panels did so while stepping on or near a 2-inch high metal railing bolted to the floor, exposing the employees to the hazard of tripping into the machine.    The United States Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.22(a)(3), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1208364, citation number 01, item number 001, and was affirmed as a final order on April 3, 2017, with respect to a workplace located at 8225 Cross Park Drive, Austin, TX 78710.

Issued

Sep 26, 2018

Abate by

Jun 3, 2019

Penalty

Initial $50,815 · Current $35,900 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(n)(1): All traffic regulations were not observed, including authorized plant speed limits. A safe distance was not maintained approximately three truck lengths from the truck ahead, and the truck was not kept under control at all times.     The employer does not ensure Operators of Powered Industrial Trucks stop at Stop signs.  Toyota Forklift: On 3 April 2018, and at times prior thereto, an Operator was observed coasting through a posted Stop sign for an intersection on the plant floor, exposing employees and others nearby to the hazard of being struck by the vehicles.     The United States Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1011903, citation number 01, item number 001, and was affirmed as a final order on March 5, 2015, with respect to a workplace located at 3232 Denmark Avenue, Eagan, MN 55121 (St. Paul Processing & Distribution Center).

Issued

Sep 26, 2018

Abate by

Jun 3, 2019

Penalty

Initial $50,815 · Current $50,815

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(f)(2): Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, was not legibly marked to indicate its purpose, nor located and arranged so the purpose was evident.    On or about 3 April 2018, and at times prior thereto, breaker panels within the plant floor were either mislabeled or not labeled for their intended purpose, exposing Maintenance personnel to an electrical hazard of 208/120 volts.    1) Breaker Panel PP8: Total of 34 breakers identified only as "RECEPTACLE", while one is identified as "RECEPTACLE - COPIER IN FRONT". The panel is located in an office area listed as 128 through 151, and panel location as RM L-146.    2) Breaker Panel CDP-3: Two side-by-side cabinets marked as CDP-3 with both old and new listings posted in each. New listing 1-42 was posted in the cabinet with breakers 43-84, while new listing 43-84 was posted in the cabinet with breakers 1-42. The new listings were posted in the wrong cabinets.    3) Breaker Panel CDP-2: Both the old and new listings were posted in the same cabinet without clarification of the effective listing.    4) Breaker Panel P3: Only the old listing is posted with date of posting as October 23, 1996. Breakers 9/19/21/23/25/27/29 were energized but were not identified on the listing. The old listing identified breaker slots 40 as Panel P3A and 41 as sump pumps but no actual breakers existed.    5) Breaker Panel P2: Both the old and new listings were posted in the same cabinet without clarification of the effective listing.    6) Breaker Panel BCSP: Only the old listing is posted with date of posting as April 20, 2005. Breakers 1/3/15/17/27/28/29/30 are identified as spares but are actual blanks. Breaker 25 is labeled as a Spare but is energized. Breakers 19/21/23 are identified as being active breakers, but were in the OFF position. Breaker 14 is labeled as Outlet but no indication of where the outlet is located.    The United States Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.303(f)(2), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1123918, citation number 01, item number 003, and was affirmed as a final order on July 26, 2016, with respect to a workplace located at 3055 Crescentville Road, Cincinnati, OH 45235 (Cincinnati NDC U.S. Postal Service).

Issued

Sep 26, 2018

Abate by

Jun 3, 2019

Penalty

Initial $50,815 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1): Sufficient access and working space was not provided and maintained about all electric equipment (operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground) to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.    On or about 2 May 2018, and at times prior thereto, within the Tuscany Way facility, two sets of four disconnect switches that provide power for battery chargers and an electric hoist had materials stored in front, preventing safe and ready access to shutdown electrical equipment in the event of a fire or electrical contact, exposing the employees to hazards such as, but not limited to, trips, fire, and electrical shock.    The United States Postal Service was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1020590, citation number 01, item number 04 and was affirmed as a final order on May 13, 2015, with respect to a workplace located at 190 Fiberloid Street, Springfield, MA 01151 (Springfield Network Distribution Center).

Issued

Sep 26, 2018

Abate by

Jun 3, 2019

Penalty

Initial $1,000 · Current $1,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1904.39(a)(2): The employer failed to report the in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees or an employee's amputation or an employee's loss of an eye, as a result of a work-related incident, within (24) twenty-four hours.     On 7 April 2018 at approximately 6:15 PM, an employee operating a Toyota Tow Motor was injured while stepping from the moving vehicle, resulting in the in-patient hospitalization of the employee. The hospitalization was not reported within 24 hours to the local Area Office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Austin Area Office was notified on 11 August 2018 at approximately 10:00 AM.