As most of you know, on September 29, 1998, President Clinton signed into law the Postal Employee Safety Enhancement Act (PESEA).  The PESEA amended the Occupational Safety and Health Act, removing the United States Postal Service from the Federal sector requirements, and placed it under the private sector provisions.

While the USPS Safety Programs and policies fully comply with the OSH Act, major changes will be necessary to convert to the private sector provisions in certain areas, such as record-keeping, OSHA inspections and citations.  Presently,  we are working with District, NYMA Area and Headquarters safety professionals to ensure that DVD is well prepared for these changes. In addition, every supervisor will receive PESEA training in the next few months.

We are certain you have noticed that there has been increased attention placed on clearing blocked fire extinguishers, exits, fire alarm boxes, standpipes and electrical panels as well as material handling, safe operation of forklifts, jeeps and other powered industrial equipment.  This renewed sense of urgency is beneficial for the work force as well as the USPS.  The USPS is committed to provide employees with a safe and healthful environment.  This philosophy is fully supported by the Senior Plant Manager and his staff, but we need your commitment to work together to achieve this essential goal. 

There are some who incorrectly believe that the PESEA is only going to effect management.  Realistically, the Act and re-focus on safety will require increased attention and enforcement of safety rules and regulations. As such, employees are reminded of their obligation to comply with all safety rules and regulations and work in a safe manner at all times.  This is a tremendous opportunity for both craft and management; as safety is not only good for employees, it is good business.  A safe operation is efficient and improves employee well-being and morale.

During the first two weeks of February, all employees will view an asbestos awareness videotape in their pay location.  The video is intended to increase your understanding and answer some of your questions and concerns.   After viewing the video, should you have additional questions or concerns, please contact your supervisor, who will consolidate the questions and forward them to the Safety Office. 

You may have noticed the labels that have been placed on sections of the floor tiles and other areas.  We have contracted with an environmental consulting firm who has identified our asbestos containing materials and the labels part of our Operations and Maintenance program to ensure that any work on these materials is performed in accordance with OSHA and EPA requirements.   

For those of you who have expressed concern regarding the floor tile removal in the Pouching area (Area E), please rest assured that the tiles are being removed in accordance with OSHA and EPA requirements using appropriate work methods.  The work is performed in a fully enclosed area, specifically designed to ensure there is no release of materials.  In addition, we have hired an industrial hygiene firm who monitors the air and will not permit the enclosure to be dismantled until sampling results are received and are acceptable.  Remember, we all work in the same facility; none of us wants to be exposed to unhealthful conditions.

Each of you is encouraged to actively participate in the Safety program.  While the OSH Act provides you with certain rights, we are all best served by working together to expedite the correction of unsafe or unhealthful conditions.  Remember, unsafe conditions or practices can be reported to your supervisor either verbally or through a PS 1767.  Any employee desiring anonymity may file the 1767 directly with the Safety Office.  Please include your name and tour; the Safety Office will ensure that you remain anonymous. 

You can also make suggestions to improve the safety program through Safety Captains, Joint Labor-Management Safety and Health Committee representatives, the Direct Line and the Suggestion Program.

In fiscal year 1998, DVD was a leader in Safety Performance, ranked as one of the safest plants in the NY Metro Area with a 46% reduction in Lost Workdays Injuries and a 22% reduction in total accidents.  We are continually striving to make DVD a better place to work.  Recent facility upgrades and renovations and the outstanding job the new Maintenance Manager and the entire maintenance staff are doing to improve the appearance and condition of the building are a few examples.

This year, let's accept the challenge to work as a team, improve our standing and proclaim that DVD TAKES PRIDE IN SAFETY!