OSHA Inspection: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

Issued

Jan 16, 2025

Abate by

Feb 7, 2025

Penalty

Initial $16,550 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8330

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act: 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 job duties.  (a) On or about August 22, 2024, an employee walking and delivering mail on a park-and-loop route was exposed to the recognized hazard of high ambient heat including high temperature, high humidity and direct sun exposure during the performance of their duties which included the carrying of a 35 lbs. bag while going door-to-door. On August 22, 2024, the NOAA reported temperature was 105ºF (41.7C) and the WBGT under direct sunlight would have been 85ºF (29.4ºC).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.