United States Postal Carriers Safety

Letter carriers should report vicious dogs to their supervisors.

U.S. postal carriers have a contractual right to on-the-job safety. Even so, they must also ensure their own day-to-day safety. Here are some guidelines for preventing accidents and injury.

Heavy Packages

Postal carriers should never attempt to lift more than they are able. To prevent back injury when a lifting heavy package, a carrier should bend at the knees and maintain a straight back while keeping the package close to the body.

Hazardous Conditions

Postal carriers should always report hazardous conditions relating to mail delivery, including any unusual incidents with customers or other people, unsafe customer stairs or walkways, vicious dogs or other dangerous conditions.

On-the-Road Safety

Delivery employees must remember to drive defensively and professionally, obey local traffic ordinances and extend courtesy to other drivers. Carriers must focus on safely delivering the mail, not on speed of delivery.

Seat Belts

Drivers should fasten seat belts and shoulder straps whenever a postal vehicle is in motion.

Heat and Cold

The combination of physical exertion and high temperatures can contribute to dehydration and heat stroke. In hot weather, carriers should drink plenty of water and take breaks when necessary. Conversely, in extreme cold they should wear protective clothing and seek medical assistance if they show signs of frostbite or hypothermia, including swelling, redness or numbing of the extremities, confusion, or slurred speech.

References

• Letter Carrier Network: Safety and Security
• MedicineNet: Frostbite Symptoms and Signs
• MedicineNet: Hypothermia