Postal Service Asks Customers to Clear Walkways, Mailbox Access

LEXINGTON, KY — In light of the storm warnings, ice and snowfall, the Postal Service requests that customers clear their mailboxes and walkways of snow and ice to allow a safe approach for letter carriers. Postal carriers have suffered serious injuries related to slips, trips and falls during the past years due to icy and snow covered walkways porch steps.

"Several of our letter carriers have suffered broken ankles, fractured elbows, fractured arms and even more serious injuries due to slippery walkways and ice-covered steps," said Lexington Postmaster, Clyde Barton. "We advise our customers to take precautions when they shovel also. The added assistance of a clear walkway, porch, or approach to a curb-side mailbox will greatly assist us in mail delivery and reduce the hazards to our employees."

Letter carriers are instructed to take precautions and to hold mail to addresses where ice and snow are not cleared. But many risk their safety in order to provide service to the customers. "No one wants to inconvenience the customer," Barton said. "But we must reduce the hazards to our employees."

The Postal Service is asking customers to help keep their letter carrier safe this winter through the following actions:

Customers are asked to clear enough snow from curbside boxes to allow mail trucks to approach the box, deliver the mail, and to drive away from the box without danger or the need for backing.
Walkways should be cleared of snow and ice and allow enough traction to avoid slips, trips or falls.
Steps should also be kept clear of ice and snow and in good repair so as not to cause injury to the letter carriers or others who visit the customer's home.
Overhangs should be clear and free of snow and ice to avoid injury.

"The best way to avoid injury is prevention. Please help our employees provide the best service they can, as safely as possible," said Barton. "Your cooperation is most appreciated and will help us provide timely delivery of your mail," he added.

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An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation, 146 million homes and businesses, six days a week. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.