Postal Service responds to OSHA fines

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI/AP) - The U.S. Postal Service said Sunday the safety of its employees is a "top priority," following claims of unsafe working conditions at a Providence post office .

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said its investigation found several safety violations at the Corliss Street facility. It has issued 12 citations, and proposed over half-a-million dollars in fines.

The inspections, prompted by complaints from workers at the Providence facility, found untrained and unqualified employees testing electrical equipment without proper training and safety equipment, according to OSHA.

Employees also worked on equipment to which electricity hadn't been shut off as required, and inspections were done by workers who weren't qualified to determine if the procedures were being done correctly, the agency says.

David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for OSHA, said in a written statement that the proposed fines "reflect the severity and ongoing nature of these hazards." He said workers were exposed
to the potential for shock and electrocution.

"The Postal Service ignored long-established safety standards and knowingly put its workers in harm's way," he said.

In a statement released Sunday, the Postal Service said, "We will review OSHA's concerns and make necessary adjustments to continue to ensure a safe working environment for our employees."

The Postal Service has until mid-May to respond by meeting with the OSHA area director or asking to contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.