OSHA Inspection: U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

Issued

Dec 8, 2023

Abate by

Jan 5, 2024

Penalty

Initial $14,609 · Current $14,609

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that employees were not protected from the hazard of high heat while performing jobs duties:  a) U.S. Postal Service, Route 5681: On or about July 10, 2023, employees were exposed to the hazard of high heat from direct sun during the performance of their job duties, including the delivery of mail during an eight-hour shift.  The outdoor temperature at the time of the incident was 101 degrees Fahrenheit, with a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature effective value of 80.3 degrees Fahrenheit under clear skies, while wearing a uniform shirt and long pants. An excessive heat warning was in effect that day for the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Such exposures are likely to lead to the development of serious heat-related illnesses such as, but not limited to, heat cramps, heat stress, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death.  An employee was exposed to the heat-related hazards and received treatment that was provided by emergency medical services.  b) U.S. Postal Service, Route 1087: On or about July 22, 2023, employees were exposed to the hazard of high heat from direct sun during the performance of their job duties, including the delivery of mail during an eight-hour shift.  The outdoor temperature at the time of the incident was 114 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wet bulb globe temperature effective value of 86.1 degrees Fahrenheit under clear skies, while wearing uniform shirt and long pants. An excessive heat warning was in effect that day for the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Such exposures are likely to lead to the development of serious heat-related illnesses such as, but not limited to, heat cramps, heat stress, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death.  An employee was exposed to the heat-related hazards and received medical treatment.  c) U.S. Postal Service, Route 1554: On or about July 25, 2023, employees were exposed to the hazard of high heat from direct sun during the performance of their job duties, including the delivery of mail during an eight-hour shift.  The outdoor temperature at the time of the incident was 111 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wet bulb globe temperature effective value of 85.0 degrees Fahrenheit under clear skies, while wearing uniform shirt and long pants. An excessive heat warning was in effect that day for the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Such exposures are likely to lead to the development of serious heat-related illnesses such as, but not limited to, heat cramps, heat stress, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death.   An employee was exposed to the heat-related hazards and received medical treatment.