OSHA Fines Postal Service $70,000 For Heat-Related Death

December 18, 2012
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced yesterday the agency is fining the U.S. Postal Service at Truman Station in Independence, Missouri, for safety violations that put workers’ health at risk.
An OSHA press release stated the fines were because of a worker who suffered a heat-related illness while walking on his delivery route in July. He was subsequently taken to a medical facility for treatment, but died a short time later from the heat. The death came during a period of time when advisories and warnings had been issued in the area for heat advisories.
OSHA found the Postal Service was in violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 mandate that requires employers to provide workers with a safe and healthy environment in which to do their jobs, including freedom form environmental dangers like exposure to high temperatures outdoors. The citation went on to explain the Postal Service failed to implement procedures that would regulate operations during extreme temperatures and issued a $70,000 fine.
A Regional Administrator for OSHA, Charles Adkins, pointed out OSHA provides training and curriculum on prevention of heat illnesses.
The St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers with Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers recognize that environmental injuries can occur in workers who are exposed to extreme temperatures. That’s why the firm encourages employees who have been harmed by exposure to high temperatures to discuss their legal rights with qualified attorneys.