The question in this grievance is whether management violated Article XIV of the National Agreement by not providing safety shoes for maintenance craft employees who use Hi-Jacker Telescoping Work Platforms in the performance of their duties. Based on a thorough evaluation of information relative to the question raised, it is our position that the Postal Service is not required to provide safety shoes for employees who work on the hi-jacker equipment. The Union's argument that the Postal Service is obligated to follow the manufacturer's suggestion to wear safety shoes is not persuasive because the manufacturer has changed and, in one instance, eliminated the language in manuals issued subsequent to the one referenced in this case. Also, employees are required to wear shoes that "Provide adequate protection to the feet from accidental injury."... whenever they perform postal duties. The above quoted requirement taken with our total commitment to provide training to employees on the correct use of the... This document contains two Article 14 related issues; a USPS Position Letter on Page 1and a USPS Position Letter on Page 2.
Document Type: USPS Position Letter
APWU National Grievance Number: H8T1EC24064
Craft: Maintenance