APWU - Industrial Relations

(11/1/2007) Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Approximately 25% to 30% of the population is colonized (when bacteria are present, but not causing an infection) in the nose with staph bacteria. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be treated without antibiotics (also known as antimicrobials or antibacterials). However, staph bacteria also can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia). [read more]

National Safety-and-Health Program Renewed

(09/10/07) The APWU and USPS announced Sept. 10 that they have renewed their commitment to the Voluntary Protection Program, which is designed to improve safety and health at postal facilities and to reduce accidents and injuries. In an Aug. 30 agreement, the union and management agreed to extend the process for three years. [read more]

Efforts to Reduce Ergonomic Injuries Show Positive Results

(This article first appeared in the September/October 2007 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.) Postal Service employees are experiencing fewer ergonomic injuries since the formation of an OSHA-organized labor/management partnership in 2003. [read more]

Postal Service Issues New Safety Talk on Recognizing Suspicious Materials

(10/13/06) The Postal Service has issued a new safety talk concerning Suspicious Mail and Unknown Powders or Substances to be given on Friday, October 6, 2006. This is one of a three-part series to be given each first Friday of October, November and December of 2006.

Avian (Bird) Flu

(06/05/06) The Postal Service has issued an updated “Safety Talk” covering the mailing of birds and avian flu. In addition, the following information is provided to give you further information and to address concerns regarding protecting yourself.... [read more]

USPS Revises Standard Operating Procedures for Handling Hazardous Materials

(02/23/06) The Postal Service has revised its Standard Operating Procedures for the Handling of Hazardous Materials. The new procedures are effective immediately and may not be altered in any way by local management. These procedures apply to acceptance, handling and transportation of mail containing or believed to contain hazardous materials, and provide detailed instructions for the actions that must be taken to minimize potential hazards during processing, distribution and transportation.

USPS Instructs Facilities Not to By-Pass
Biohazard Detection Systems On Their AFCS

(12/14/05) The APWU recently became aware that postal facilities with the Biohazard Detection System (BDS) on their Advanced Facer-Canceler Systems (AFCS) machines have made local decisions to by-pass the AFCS and utilize alternate canceling equipment (such as a Micro Mark or NEC).

The APWU notified postal headquarters of this serious breach of security. In response, USPS headquarters issued a December 9, 2005 policy to all Managers and Operations Support (Area) instructing them to ensure that all stamped mail meeting the processing specifications for the AFCS be processed on the AFCS.

Hurricane Katrina

(09/09/05) Safety and health in the wake of a natural disaster is a major concern. The storm and subsequent flooding in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana has and will continue to place postal workers in dangerous environments for many months to come. These dangers will be present not only at work but in other public places and at home. The following information is provided to heighten your level of awareness and provide some basic guidelines for protective measures you should take.... [read more]