OSHA investigation finds serious violations at Greensboro USPS facility after worker loses arm

The U.S. Department of Labor has cited and fined the U.S. Postal Service for violations at a Greensboro distribution facility six months after a worker lost their arm when they were injured by machinery.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated the West Wendover Avenue facility after the accident.

Investigators found serious safety violations, including failure to ensure that required safety guards were in place and allowing conveyor guards to be routinely removed. The agency says that placed workers at risk.

OSHA also found that the USPS allowed workers without adequate training and protective equipment to perform tests on live electrical equipment. 

The agency issued two serious and two repeat citations, totaling more than $170,000 in proposed fines.

The Department of Labor says that the Greensboro facility processes bulk mail using a programmable network of conveyor lines and other systems to handle packages for delivery.

USPS has 15 days to reply to or challenge the findings, or to request a conference with OSHA's area director.