Messenger of Sympathy and Love;
Servant of Parted Friends;
Consoler of the Lonely;
Bond of the Scattered Family;
Enlarger of the Common Life;
Carrier of News and Knowledge;
Instrument of Trade and Industry;
Promoter of Mutual Acquaintance,
of Peace and Goodwill,
Among Men and Nations.
This verse from “The Letter” by Charles W. Eliot, reflects our roles as United States Postal Servants as we deliver to the diverse population of this great nation and beyond. Each of you is of great worth!
APWU Local 232 Safety has began a process to visit the many facilities, some distant and scattered, which each of our sisters and brothers labor daily. It is exciting to recognize your work environment and appreciate your daily routines. Our Safety Committee is engaging with postmasters, managers, OIC’s and supervisors for introductions and to explore safety conditions. Each of you deserves an environment such that your welfare can be preserved.
For the furtherment of knowledge, I would like to focus on safe egress or exit paths. Here are some reminders. As you are involved with your daily routine be sure that you are always able to safely exit your environment. Be aware. Sometimes, as we have our backs turned, the ‘enchanted forest’ effect of hampers and containers closes us off from a safe exit. Obstacles such as trash cans, empty equipment, etc. should never reside in aisleways or block exit doors.
In the plant, aisleways are shared with Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) equipment such as forklifts, jack tractors, walkie riders, etc. Aisle markings should reflect safe aisle width. Aisleways under 8 feet wide are restricted to pedestrian traffic only (Handbook EL-801, Supervisor’s Safety Handbook 4.8.3.c). Aisles less than 12 feet wide and greater than 8 can accommodate PIT in a one-way direction only (Handbook EL-801, 4.8.3.a). Aisle ways must be at least 12 feet wide to accommodate two-way PIT traffic (Handbook EL-801, 4.8.3.b). Be mindful of the traffic and the amount of space intended for your pedestrian movement. Be cautious when stepping into an aisle where PIT equipment is used.
Some of you work on sortation equipment that have a narrow entrance or a flight of stairs leading to the operator’s station. Those exit points can become blocked easily. It is necessary to be ever watchful and a guardian of your and other’s exit paths. WHEN YOU FEEL BLOCKED TAKE THE TIME TO CORRECT THE MATTER. Each of you is wise as you exercise common sense and move through your workday with courteous and safe practices.
Certainly, in the name of safety we unite to share and communicate our observations and concerns. We need you. By utilizing PS Form 1767 Report of Hazard, Unsafe Condition or Practice, each of you is empowered to communicate without repercussion. Each of you then becomes a promoter of safety and a protector for all.
I opened with a reference that we are United States Postal Servants being that we are a Service of, for, and by the people. Being a servant to the people is a noble profession. At the same time recognize that management, too, is in co-service to the people.
It is good to review and to be understood and to be appreciated that we are not in service of management; rather, we are in service of the people as we embody those qualities penned by Mr. Eliot.
Have a prosperous month and as you engage in your world, enjoy those personal moments of life.
-Tony George
Safety Officer, APWU Local 232