OSHA Delivers Nearly Half Million in Fines to Two Philadelphia Postal Facilities
OSHA has cited the U.S. Postal Service for workplace safety violations related to electrical hazards found at two Philadelphia facilities after receiving complaints about both locations. Combined proposed penalties total $497,000.
The agency's inspections of the Network Distribution Center (NDC) and the Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC), both in Philadelphia, found inadequately trained employees performing work without the proper personal protective equipment while being exposed to live parts. As a result of these conditions, OSHA cited NDC with four willful violations with a proposed penalty of $280,000, and P&DC with three willful violations with a penalty of $210,000 and one serious violation with a penalty of $7,000.
"The Postal Service's disregard for workplace safety standards has left workers at these facilities exposed to unnecessary dangers including electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions," said Al D'Imperio, director of OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office.
OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.
The Postal Service has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, meet with the OSHA area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.