Often, people may think that working as a postal worker is an easy job with few hardships, but nothing could be further from the truth. Postal employees experience more work injuries than any other federal employees. Approximately, 34,000 postal workers are injured each year, and about 13,000 of those injuries are directly caused by mail delivery.
What is the Federal Employment Compensation Act?
It is important to know that when postal workers are injured, they are subject to a different system of workers’ compensation. Injuries suffered by a postal worker are subject to the Federal Employment Compensation Act (FECA). All federal benefits under the FECA are managed through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).
To file a claim under the FECA, a notice must be filed within three years of the injury. If the claim is not filed in that time, it may still be valid if the employee provides a written notice of the injury within 30 days or if the employee can show that the employer had knowledge of the injury within 30 days after it occurred.
How Can Postal Workers Stay Safe at Work?
One of the greatest risks for postal workers is dog bites. Postal workers are also subject to repetitive injuries, violence in the community, and auto accidents. Some safety tips for postal workers include the following:
Avoid Aggressive Encounters with Dogs
Postal workers can carry dog repellants. This could be risky since some repellants, such as pepper spray, could cause permanent damage to dogs. They may also want to carry citrus fruits since most dogs do not like the scent of citrus fruits. Some postal workers carry electronic devices that send alerts about dogs in the area.
Stay in Good Physical Shape
Working as a postal worker is a very physically demanding job; therefore maintaining good physical health is important for all postal workers. This includes maintaining a good exercise regime outside of work hours and getting a good amount of sleep.
Often, postal work will require a worker to lift heavy packages and it also requires a lot of walking from house to house. Some workers participate in alternative health techniques, such as acupuncture, to keep them pain-free and healthy. Other stress relieving strategies and physical therapies can address problems. This will also help workers to steer clear of physical obstacles and other hazards they could encounter during mail delivery.
Be Vigilant About Knowing the Weather
Since postal work is mostly outdoors, employees must be aware of the potential for bad weather and exceedingly cold or hot weather. Employees should use sunscreen to protect them from skin cancer, and they should use bug repellant to protect from stings, ticks, and mosquitos that can carry diseases. Postal workers need to have their protective gear with them in case of extreme weather.
When Should a Postal Worker Hire a Lawyer?
After a work accident or injury, a postal worker should speak to a lawyer. A lawyer will explain the worker’s rights and help the worker obtain compensation. Additionally, a lawyer could help the postal worker with filing a claim.
Chester County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Represent Injured Postal Workers
If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Our law firm can evaluate the proper laws that apply to your situation and provide legal guidance. Our Chester County worker’s compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC help injured workers with their complex cases. Contact us online or call us at 610-594-1600 for a free consultation. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.