OSHA cites US Postal Service in Greenville, SC for falls and other hazards

Employer name: U.S. Postal Service, 204 Fairforest Way, Greenville, South Carolina 29607

Citations issued: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued one willful and two serious safety citations to the Postal Service on Sept. 14.

Investigation findings: The willful citation was issued for exposing employees to struck-by hazards by blocking and restricting traffic flow in aisles that are shared by powered industrial trucks and pedestrians. The serious violations include allowing employees to operate a forklift without using seat belts and exposing workers to falls from heights up to 8 feet.

Proposed penalties: $79,900

Quote: "Exposing employees to being hit by vehicular traffic while working in warehouses and distribution centers is never acceptable," said Darlene Fossum, director of OSHA's Columbia Area Office. "Management must ensure safety is the top priority when expanding, modifying and consolidating working environments."

Citations can be viewed at: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/osha/OSHA20151818fs.pdf