GREENSBORO (N.C.) — A mechanic at a U.S. postal facility in North Carolina had his arm amputated last January after coming into contact the machine with which a safety guard was removed. The U.S. Labor Department discovered this.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration had inspected Greensboro’s facility following the September injury. In a Friday news release , the agency published its findings.
The U.S. The Greensboro Network Distribution Center is operated by the U.S. Postal Service. Federal inspection found “repeat and grave safety violations”, including failure to place safety guards as required. Conveyor guards were routinely removed, putting workers at risk.
According to the agency, staff were not trained on how to safely operate equipment and working around conveyors. According to the news release, workers were allowed to test live electrical equipment without proper training or protective equipment.
According to the agency, its citations include $170,918 in proposed penalties.
“The U.S. Kimberley Morton, OSHA Area Director, stated that the U.S. Postal Service violated long-established safety standards and put workers in danger.
The news release stated that USPS can request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest findings.
Contacts for media in the U.S. The Postal Service didn’t immediately respond to Sunday’s email request for comment.
