News you can use
News you can use
Winter is back in full swing, with significant snow and ice for all of us to battle.
That means slippery surfaces, which can be dangerous and costly for homeowners, as well as for their visitors, including their letter carrier. By clearing a path when the snow arrives, accidents can be prevented.
We need our customers' help. Letter carriers have hurt their knees or backs, or even suffered broken bones from falls on slippery surfaces.
Letter carriers are instructed to use good judgment when attempting to deliver to addresses where ice and snow are not cleared. They are not allowed to dismount from a vehicle to make curb deliveries when the approach to a mailbox is hazardous because of snow or ice.
No one wants to inconvenience a customer, but we have to take every possible step to ensure the safety of our employees.
Here are some tips:
• Customers are asked to clear enough snow from curbside boxes — at least 6 feet on both sides of the mailbox — so the carrier may approach and leave without backing up his or her vehicle.
• Walkways need to be cleared so as to allow enough traction to avoid slips, trips and falls.
• Steps — especially painted wood — must be kept clear of ice and snow and in good repair.
• Overhangs must be clear and free of snow and ice to avoid injury.
The best cure for an injury is to not have it occur in the first place. Please help your letter carrier provide you with the best possible service, safely.
Sincerely,
Marion E. Williams
Havre Postmaster
Reader Comments(1)
MtnGramma writes:
I appreciate everything the carriers do, in all weather. The walkways on our block are kept clear. However, our carriers always walk across the grass from house to house, winter, summer, fall and spring. We have paths worn in our lawns. Much safer on the walkway, yet they are not used.
12/10/2013, 8:38 pm