Post Office Asks Residents to Help with Snow and Ice Removal

BELLMAWR — With winter weather forecast this weekend, the Post Office asks local customers to help clear a path free of snow and ice for the safe delivery of mail by letter carriers.
“We want to assure there are no delays in mail delivery caused by carriers being unable to approach mailboxes safely,” says South Jersey/Delaware District Manager Joseph Diglio. He says letter carriers are advised not to risk a vehicle accident or a fall if access to a mailbox is not free of snow or ice. If the path to a mailbox isn’t clear, mail delivery may be suspended and delivery reattempted the next day.
Diglio says winter falls take their toll on employees. “Injuries from falls bring much pain and suffering and can be life-changing events for our carriers,” he says. Many carriers suffer disabling fractures that require extensive medical attention.
Injuries to letter carriers, primarily from slips, trips and falls, increase during winter months.
“Our chief concern is for the safety of our employees,” Diglio says. Customers can help limit injuries and assure their mail gets through by:
• Clearing ice and snow from curbside boxes to allow mail trucks to approach and drive away without the need for backing;
• Clearing walkways of snow and ice and provide traction on steps and porches, especially painted ones; and
• Clearing overhangs to avoid falling ice and dripping water that can freeze into icy patches.
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