The winter weather season has begun in earnest. Unfortunately that means slippery surfaces, blocked streets and walkways, and snow/ice making it hazardous for the carrier to deliver mail. Snow and ice accumulations are also dangerous for homeowners and their visitors as well as for the letter carrier. By insuring that the pathway to your mailbox is clear, whether that be the walking pathway to your door or on the street to your curb-side mailbox, accidents can be avoided.

“To reduce and prevent slip/trip and fall incidents and allow us to provide the best service possible, we are requesting the assistance of our customers” said USPS Dakotas District Manager Doug Stephens. “Unfortunately, we have many letter carriers injured each year from slips, trips, and falls due to ice, snow, and slippery surfaces.”

Letter carriers are advised to use good judgment when attempting to delivery to addresses where ice and snow are not cleared. They are not allowed to dismount from their vehicles to affect delivery when the approach to the mailbox is blocked or hazardous because of snow or ice.

“No one wants to inconvenience the customer,” Stephens added. “But we must ensure the safety of our employees.”

Some tips:

• Customers are asked to clear enough snow from curbside boxes so the carrier may approach, deliver the mail and leave without danger or backing the 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.

 “Prevention is the best way to avoid injuries,” Stephens concluded. “Please help us provide the best service possible---safely!” 

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