Remove snow, ice for letter carriers

Robert Brooks, safety manager for the Massachusetts Postal District, today asked for the cooperation of postal customers to keep walkways and curbside mailboxes clear of snow and ice to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of mail this winter.

“The Postal Service treats safety and service with equal priority,” the postal official said, “and we are seeking your help to ensure that you get the kind of service you need and expect and our letter carriers are safe from the perils they face during the winter.”

Letter carriers are especially vulnerable to slips, trips and falls during the winter months, he said, adding: “It is extremely important that you keep your walkways free and clear of snow and ice to help reduce the danger of a letter carrier suffering serious injury in a slipping accident.

“Your help in this regard is deeply appreciated by your letter carrier and all the men and women who work together to make sure you receive the best possible mail delivery.”

Brooks asked residents who receive mail delivery to rural or curbside boxes to keep the approach to and exit from their mailbox clear of snow, ice, vehicles, trash cans and other objects. “This will permit the carrier to drive up to your mailbox and deposit or collect mail without leaving the vehicle. The approach to and exit from the mailbox should be cleared sufficiently on both sides to allow the carrier to drive ahead and not be required to back up after delivery,” he said.