You and each of our Sisters and Brothers have been given an opportunity to be employed as servants to this great nation. Our service impacts the financial, emotional and welfare of occupants of over 160 million addresses in addition to the warriors of our armed services around the world.

Within the Service, we follow the ethics and standards established by many a good man and woman before us. Today, we work alongside a generation who, too, shoulders a great responsibility and workload.

But as we labor to produce, we deserve to do so in a safe environment. Each of you should be able to report to your duty station with the hope and security of returning to your homes, your family and to do so safely, unharmed and without injury or flaw.

This article is the first in a series of safety reminders and associated communications.

Awareness is critical to safety. If you feel or witness an unsafe condition, we, among you, ask that you report it. It may be, due to your caring act, that others, too, will be able to realize a safe return to their home.

The official vehicle to report a safety concern is PS Form 1767 – Report of Hazard, Unsafe Condition or Practice. This is a 4-page carbonless form which is easy to complete. Only the very top of the first page of the form is completed by you as you cite the nature and location of the concern.

This form, citing your concern, should be given to your immediate supervisor who is committed by their role to act promptly (within the tour of duty). If the hazard is recognized outside of your immediate station, your supervisor is still committed to addressing the concern. You can expect that you will receive a description of their response as they return the last page (blue) to you. This page is for your keeping, although we, as a union, would be interested in the complaint and its resolve.

The PS Form 1767 should be conveniently available and accessible to you. It should be available in a location that you may be able to obtain in anonymity.

This month’s challenge to you is to seek out the form. Learn where it is available at your duty station by asking coworkers, Local 232 reps, even supervisors. Familiarize yourself with its simplicity. If prompted at anytime in the future, complete the form and submit it to your supervisor. YOU SHOULD NEVER EXPECT RETALIATION FOR REPORTING A SAFETY CONCERN! YOU ARE PROTECTED! In fact, management has invited us to report hazards and concerns. If the form is not available to you, ask a union rep or even supervisor to remedy the availability. IT IS REQUIRED THE FORM BE AVAILABLE! There will be more in the future regarding PS Form 1767.

Meanwhile during the upcoming days, focus on your surroundings. Can I exit, if necessary, in a safe and quick manner? Are the aisles or exits impeded? Have I been blocked by equipment or mail?

HAVE THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY BE THE SAFE REUNION TO YOUR HOME AND FAMILY!

Tony George

Safety Officer