Keep walkways, steps clear for letter carriers

With another winter storm bearing down on parts of the Postal Service's Northern Ohio Service District, the Postal Service asks local customers to help clear a path free of snow and ice for the safe delivery of mail by letter carriers.

Ash Thakkar, Postal Service safety manager for northeastern Ohio, says winter falls take their toll on employees. "Injuries from falls bring pain and suffering and in some cases can be life-changing events for our carriers," he says. "Many carriers suffer disabling fractures that require extensive medical attention."

"We are concerned for the safety of our employees," Thakkar says, "but we also want to assure there are no delays in mail delivery caused by carriers being unable to approach mailboxes safely." Letter carriers are advised to not risk a vehicle accident or a fall if access to a mailbox is not free of snow or ice, he says. In those cases, mail may be returned and delivery reattempted the next day.

Customers can help limit injuries and assure their mail gets through by clearing ice and snow from curbside boxes to allow mail trucks to approach and drive away without the need for backing; clearing walkways of snow and ice and provide traction on steps and porches, especially painted ones; and clearing overhangs to avoid falling ice and dripping water that can freeze into icy patches.