Article 14, Section 1 establishes that management is responsible for maintaining safe working conditions in all current and future USPS facilities and for developing a safe working force. Safe working conditions that can be watched for include safe procedures and maintenance of equipment and workspaces being in sanitary conditions, including environmental and occupational health standards. 

 

Safety is the upmost priority and is to be taken seriously. PS Form 1767’s should be readily available on all postal properties and used by employees when any unsafe conditions are noticed or experienced. Supervisors are to address and ensure that the condition is remedied immediately after given a 1767. 

 

At the same time, the Union is obliged to cooperate and assist in carrying out these responsibilities. Article 14.2 creates a framework for employee involvement. Workers may file grievances if unsafe conditions aren’t addressed during their shift after filing a 1767 PS Form, and may report hazards in writing to local Safety & Health Committees. Installations with 50 or more employees are required to form joint Labor‑Management Safety and Health Committees, which meet at least quarterly and review safety reports, training records, accident prevention progress, and hazardous practices. These committees have the authority to conduct inspections and recommend corrective action, and management must respond within a reasonable period, or inform the committee and union of the reasons for inaction. 

 

Together, these provisions make Article 14 a central contract tool protecting postal employees’ safety rights and establishing joint oversight of workplace health and hazards. Our workplace can only be safely managed by each one of us actively participating in making sure these conditions are met. Never be afraid of reporting unsafe conditions to management. 

 

 

Whitney Sparks

Safety Director

APWU Local 133

Safety Letter (1).docx

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