Serious, repeat violations at USPS facility following employee amputation

A United States Postal Service mechanic at a mail distribution center in Greensboro, North Carolina, had his arm amputated in September 2021, leading the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to investigate, leading to $170,918 in proposed fines.

OSHA found that the accident was triggered by a machine that had a safety guard removed and cited the USPS for two repeat and two serious safety violations, including failure to ensure that safety guards were in place as required and allowing conveyor guards to be routinely removed, leaving workers at risk of injuries, according to a statement.

The facility also did not train staff on working near conveyors or proper methods for safely operating equipment using lockout/tagout safety measures. In addition, OSHA found that the USPS allowed unqualified workers – workers without adequate training and protective equipment – to perform tests on live electrical equipment, according to the statement.

Greensboro Network Distribution Center is a bulk mail processing and distribution center where a programmable network of heavy conveyor lines and other systems handles packages for delivery.

The USPS has 15 business days to contest the findings.