from the area vice president sharing a safety...

BEST PRACTICES

Everyone has within them a unique knowledge, formed from years of experience and

training. Nobody has an identical level of expertise as anyone else, and that makes each person special. When people share their exceptional know-how with members of their team, the team grows stronger and more capable.

Knowledge and opportunityIn this edition of Western Area

Update, you’ll get the chance to learn from experts about how they apply their unique talents in their lives and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Take the opportunity to learn and grow knowledge whenever possible from experienced individuals, and the challenges ahead will be easier to manage.

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FROM THE AREA VICE PRESIDENT

Denver, CO, Letter Carrier Jeff Frey and Metro Caring volunteers unload collected food items from an LLV. For more photos from this year’s Stamp Out Hunger drive, turn to page 6.

I came across a sobering and startling statistic the other day. On average, 14 people die from

work-related injuries every day in the U.S. Many of you have either heard or read messages from me emphasizing the upmost importance of safety for the simple reason that we have far too many people working unsafely. Working safely at the Postal Service is not a choice. My safety vision is simple: Zero hazardous conditions and zero unsafe actions.

Many of us recently had the opportunity to meet John Martin, who has visited USPS facilities across the nation to share his tragic story — tragic due to his willingness years ago to cut corners while on the job, putting himself and others at risk. His decision to work unsafely landed Mr. Martin in the hospital for months with severe burns. Mr. Martin admittedly was a risk-taker and made a life-altering choice that impacted himself, his family and coworkers. Nobody knows better than Mr. Martin how important a safety culture is to the workplace.

I do not want any of us to become a statistic. Accidents impact employees’ physical, emotional and financial wellbeing, and most of these accidents are

Sharing a Safety vision

Greg GravesVice President Western Area Operations

Summer 2018

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Sharing a Safety Visioncontinued from page 1

preventable. Yes, our organization is focused on growth and opportunity, but safety must win every time. Safety cannot be an afterthought.

Creating a culture of safety takes time, and it will take all of our commitment. The Postal Service recorded more than 90,000 accidents last year. We are better than that — we must be better than that.

Whether you are working or playing this summer, remember, it is hot out there. Please stay cool and be safe this summer season. Your safety is the top priority at the Postal Service and I thank each of you for working safely this summer and all year long.

ALASKA

Asking ‘why’ key to accident reduction

Human Resources Manager Robert Ward remembers when Alaska District’s safety record

was abysmal.“It wasn’t too long ago that one

year we decided to list all of the accidents on a bulletin board,” said Ward. “We had so many accidents our driver safety instructor had to get on a ladder to post some of them above the bulletin board.”

Today Alaska District is among the top districts in the country for accident reduction with 39 fewer accidents than last year — a 40 percent decrease.

Key to their success is a best practice known as “Safety Review 5 Whys,” which focuses on asking the right questions when reviewing an accident, specifically why the accident occurred?

“Without that clear answer, nothing changes and the accidents are bound to continue,” said Ward.

Every week, a safety review is conducted with the district manager, direct reports, and the manager of the office that had an accident. Some join via WebEx.

It begins with an autopsy.“We call it an autopsy, as we seek

to determine the root cause of the accident,” said Ward. “Our root cause and analysis packet lists the five whys, as well as who, what, where, when, and how an accident occurred.”

In determining the root cause, the why question may have to be asked multiple times – hence the five whys.

“We don’t want our managers to just check the box during accident reporting, but to accurately determine the direct cause of the accident, why it happened,” said Ward. “What we’ve found is that by asking the why

question over and over again, we can better determine the root cause.”

According to Ward, repeating the question isn’t about badgering the employee who had the accident, rather

clearly identifying the reason for the accident, and taking the necessary steps to keep it from happening again.

The accident reviews and the all-important whys are shared around the district. As necessary, changes to SOPs are made.

“While a few accidents have been determined to be the result of the environment or equipment failure, the majority of times it’s because someone made the decision to work in an unsafe manner,” said Ward. “Working safely is not optional, it’s a job requirement for all employees.” The District

Anchorage Sales and Distribution Clerk Paochao Lor navigates the driver training course with help from an orange fiberglass pole on the front bumper and a zip tie on vehicle mirror.

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Working safely is not optional, it’s a job requirement for all employees.

— Robert WardAlaska District

Human Resources Manager.

Safety in numbersUSPS RECRUITING VOLUNTEER AMBASSADORS

The Postal Service is encouraging employees to become safety ambassadors,

volunteer positions that will help the organization promote safety.

Safety ambassadors will be located in facilities across the nation, where they will help identify and abate hazards, raise awareness of safe work practices and improve communication on safety matters.

“The ambassadors will be critical members of the nationwide safety team,” Safety and OSHA Compliance Manager Linda DeCarlo said. “They will lead by example, provide valuable input and make a difference.”

All employees may volunteer to become safety ambassadors. Applicants will be subject to a selection process, and all ambassadors will undergo required training.


ALASKA

Orange fiberglass poles on front bumpers and zip ties on vehicle mirrors notify carriers when they are getting too close to a mailbox or other fixed object.

Alaska District provides ice cleats to all employees for use at work and at home.

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Asking ‘why’ key to accident reduction

Safety Task Force goes out to speak directly with employees about safety.

“Heightened awareness of safety has been a driving force for our success,” said Ward.

Other district safety initiatives include:

■ Providing ice cleats for all employees to use at work and at home,

■ Providing “Get Out and Look” stickers for all vehicles,

■ Installing orange fiberglass poles on front bumpers that extend vertically two feet to warn carriers before they strike an object, and

■ Placing zip ties on vehicle mirrors at a 45 degree angle to warn carriers they are getting too close to a mailbox or other fixed object.

“The result is that our employees have had substantially fewer accidents, including during peak season,” said Ward.

While the extreme Alaska weather can be challenging, Ward says most years the majority of vehicle accidents occur during the spring and summer months.

“I think as the weather gets better, people start driving a little too fast and don’t pay attention to what they’re doing,” said Ward, who added the safety initiatives are not about numbers, but engaging employees to work safely.

“All too often, we tend to push out programs and safety talks. It’s just

another piece of paper and another thing employees hear,” said Ward. “Through safety reviews, gemba walks, kamishibai boards, safety coordinators, ice cleats and more we are looking to drive a culture of safety throughout the organization. Our goal is zero accidents with all employees returning home safely at the end of the day.”

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Alaska District is among the nation’s leaders in accident reduction. However, not too long ago Ad/Hoc Driver SafetyInstructor Ronald Walls Sr. didn’t have enough room on the bulletin board to list all of the accidents, so he wrotethem on the wall above the board.


ARIZONA/NEW MEXICO

Truth and communicationThere’s a town in New Mexico

named Truth or Consequences, which few living outside the

city probably know or remember was named for a popular television game show back in 1950. It’s one of the communities Western Area Strategic Communications Specialist Peter Hass became familiar with while serving New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon and parts of Washington during his more than 27 years as a communications professional for the Postal Service.

Hass likens the town’s name to a cardinal rule in handling public relations.

“You must never lie to a reporter — or anyone else. If you don’t tell the truth, no matter how dire a situation may seem to admit it at the time, the consequences that follow will surely be worse,” Hass said.

“Close behind is another rule — never guess when answering a question. If you don’t know something, just say you’ll try to find the answer and get back to them later,” Hass said. “Guessing is a risky thing.”

Over the years, Hass and fellow members of the Western Area Corporate Communications team have provided media relations training to hundreds of Postmasters and other managers, offering them guidelines on how to prepare talking points for media interviews and practical exercises to prepare them for how a real TV interview could go.

“One of the best things about providing those classes was having attendees comment to us afterwards that they planned to use the skills they’d learned about preparing messages to communicate not only with reporters — if that chance ever came around — but also with fellow employees,” Hass said.

In terms of general communications skills that all postal employees can use, Hass advised, “First and foremost, always keep your intended audience in mind.

“In most cases, customers will not know what a “CBU” or “cancellation” is, even though employees use those terms every day. Use words everyone will understand, like ‘neighborhood mailbox’ or ‘postmark,’” he said.

Every one of our employees is an ambassador for the Postal Service,

Hass noted. “In the same way most job seekers have a 30-second ‘elevator speech’ at the ready at all times to explain their top abilities and interests, we should all be equally prepared to represent the Postal Service brand succinctly and with pride.”

When preparing for media interviews, Hass said he pares down his planned response to no more than three brief talking points, with hopes that those key positive messages about the Postal Service will be conveyed. He said having three

positive points about the Postal Service is good practice for all employees when they have those “elevator speech”-type opportunities with customers.

“The Postal Service has job opportunities that span nearly every kind of occupation,” Hass said. “There are opportunities for logistics employees, engineers, and yes, even writers. Hass started as a clerk and part-time carrier. Every single role is an important one. And every single

employee has reason to be proud of the work they do.”

Communicating that postal pride via community events, stamp launches and news releases are just a few of the ways Hass has helped postal employees. When it comes to writing, Hass says the key is simplicity and conciseness.

“The Postal Service touches every person living in this great country,” Hass said. “You have a wide variety of people with varied levels of education, and some for whom English is a second language. So, I try to keep my writing as short and simple as possible, whether it’s for an internal or external audience.”

Hass said this was “very much the same approach” he used as a newspaper reporter in Palm Springs,

CA — the job he held prior to joining the Postal Service in 1987.

“You want everyone to clearly understand your messages,” Hass said. “Whatever the job and workplace, you need to strive to communicate in a way that will represent your organization positively and in a way that won’t be misinterpreted. Keeping things simple really does make success easier to achieve.”

Peter Hass retired in May after a 30-plus year Postal Service career.

Strategic Communications Specialist Peter Hass (left) with Strategic Communications Manager John Friess.


CENTRAL PLAINS

Junction City, KS, Finance Data Collection Technician Michelle Judd.

Junction City, KS, Finance Data Collection Technician Michelle Judd was outside her home

when she thought she saw flames slowly creeping across a house down the street. She called for her husband to come outside and then ran down to where she saw the flames.

The burning house was a duplex with a family of five children and their parents in the upstairs unit and a woman in the lower unit. Judd went to the upstairs unit first. When she told them about the fire, the family had no idea of the danger. The family quickly evacuated their home while Judd went to alert the residents of the lower unit.

When she knocked on the door to the lower unit, the occupants didn’t answer. Judd pounded on the door, desperate to tell the residents about the imminent danger. After what seemed like an eternity, a woman finally opened the door. She had been sleeping inside the unit and didn’t hear the commotion until Judd made as much noise as possible to get the owner’s attention.

Fire fighters arrived on scene to douse the flames, but they were unable to save the home. The entire duplex burned to the ground. While the fire may have destroyed the residents’ belongings, it didn’t take their lives thanks to Judd’s caring concern and efforts.

Federal law divides USPS products into two categories. Those categories are market-dominant

and competitive.The market-dominant category

includes First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail, Periodicals, Package Services, such as Library Mail, and some Extra Services, such as Certified Mail.

These products are deemed to be market-dominant as a legal matter because there is generally no direct alternative to USPS for physically delivering them. However, there is substantial competition regarding these products in the form of electronic alternatives, meaning USPS must ensure that these products remain competitive in the marketplace.

The competitive category covers the kinds of products for which there is substantial direct competition from other delivery providers. This includes Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and commercial package services, such as Parcel Select.

There are different rules for

How postal prices are setestablishing prices in both categories. Under the law, USPS must seek approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to change prices for market-dominant products.

Priority Mail is considered a competitive product, meaning it has substantial direct competition from other delivery providers.

Postal Service’s prices to ensure they conform to legal requirements.

The Postal Service is seeking a better pricing system. Last year, the PRC determined that the current

pricing system for market-dominant products isn’t working, in part because it doesn’t allow USPS to be financially stable.

The PRC proposed a new pricing system that gives the Postal Service some additional pricing authority, while maintaining a price cap.

USPS has determined this proposed alternative doesn’t give the organization the flexibility it needs to deal with changing market conditions and the competitive business landscape. The Postal Service

wants PRC to exercise after-the-fact regulatory monitoring to ensure its prices are just and reasonable.

The PRC is expected to issue a final decision regarding the new regulatory system sometime this year.

For more information about USPS pricing, go to pe.usps.com.

Employee sees fire danger, evacuates occupied home

Currently, prices in this category generally aren’t allowed to exceed the rate of inflation. This is often referred to as the “price cap.”

USPS has more flexibility to change prices for competitive products, although these products must always cover their attributable costs. The PRC reviews the

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FEATURE

Newton, IA.

Washington, IA.

Colorado Springs, CO, GMF Station.

Colorado Springs, CO.

Harlan, IA.Marshfield, MO. Lexington, NE.

Lake Holcombe, WI.

2018 Stamp Out Hunger

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FEATURE

Topeka, KS, North Topeka Post Office.Aberdeen, ID.

Big Lake, MN. Lake Nebagamon, WI.

Hoisington, KS.

Pequot Lakes, MN.

Aberdeen, ID.

Richland, MO.

Pleasant Hill, MO.

May 12, 2018


Englewood Mayor Ron Rakowsky

knows the importance of good customer service in his suburban community. In his quarterly newsletter delivered to all citizens, he regularly features a local business hero.

“I want to highlight a business and one of their employees who contribute to an exceptional customer service experience,” he writes.

Earlier this year, he sang

the praises of Greenwood Village Station Retail Associate Frank Scolaro.

“What I admire about Frank when I visit the Post Office is his friendliness, professionalism, and positive attitude,” said Rakowsky. “He is a familiar face at the Post Office — where numerous people

that work are also dedicated like Frank.”Scolaro’s service comes naturally. “We hear from the public on a daily

basis how much they like us. And to

see the recognition by the mayor is an extra treat,” said Scolaro. “I’ve always felt that the good work we do isn’t always noticed. It’s nice when it does get some attention.”

In an interview, Mayor Rakowsky said selecting Frank from among the thousands of front facing employees in his city was easy.

“He has a zest for service,” said Rakowsky. “He acts like he’s the business owner and he depends on customers for his very survival.”

The mayor also was impressed by his thorough knowledge and positive attitude.

Scolaro, who has had a window assignment for nearly 30 years, says “I love working with the public.”

COLORADO/WYOMING

Englewood mayor lauds retail clerk

Greenwood Village Station Retail Associate Frank Scolaro.

Letter carriers, management create safety culture

Denver Postmaster Sam Reed addresses EAS managers from around the state about the need for safety culture.

The Colorado/Wyoming District Joint NALC-USPS Safety Task Force is finding

new ways to educate, inform and enforce safety policy.

And it’s already paid off as the district has seen a double digit decrease in accidents and more importantly, people are going home in the same condition they went to work.

The task force, made up of members from both the National Association of Letter Carriers and USPS management, are strategically spread out across the district. They adopt offices within their areas to help move them into “the safety zone.”

One of their focus areas is reinforcing safety training to front-line EAS managers.

“We are working with our managers to creatively cater a message that sinks in with the employee,” said Colorado/Wyoming Operations Program Support Manager and NALC/USPS Safety Task Force District Co-Chair John McLucas. “The culture is often shaped by the actions of their leader.”

The EAS training provides the training and tools for managers to “be

proactive, engaging, and empowering in creating a culture of safety and eliminate unsafe acts,” according to McLucas.

The group has also been making station visits, walking side by side with employees to help discover their hurdles and creating solutions.

“The safety program isn’t meant to be punitive. At its heart, it has all our interests at heart,” said Greeley Letter Carrier and Task Force member Richard Byrne. “When we go out to the units,

they see us as their peers and can help engage them in the process.”

The team recently adopted the Pueblo Sunset Station, which at one point led Western Area in dog bites. They helped create postcards that went to every customer. They also helped facilitate a rapid response system that gave carriers the tools they needed to directly contact animal control when they encountered aggressive or loose animals.


DAKOTAS

Area maintenance technician keeps buildings in shape

Chris Alamond is one of those employees who has seen it all.

To start, he drives tens of thousands of miles across Montana’s highways and roads every year. And he’s been through every kind of weather. Additionally he has had a hand in fixing a myriad of issues in many of the facilities across the state in his position as area maintenance technician (AMT).

Based in Billings, he and four other AMTs keep Montana’s more than 300 Post Offices in working order.

He repairs plumbing, electrical, locks and safes, lighting, heating and cooling and nearly everything else that can break or needs updating.

His week starts with emails and phone messages and he works with other team members to plan their travel and priorities.

“If there’s a broken furnace in a Post Office, for example, that will get a higher priority than a work order for office equipment relocation,” said Alamond.

Before he hits the road, he makes

sure that he has all the tools and equipment needed.

“If I know I’m going to more than one office for light fixture repairs, for instance, I make sure I have items in my truck to eliminate wasted time.”

“He always has a list of things to do for me, but he also has a knack for noticing things that should be fixed that I didn’t notice,” said Melstone, MT, Postmaster Coleen Robinson. “We appreciate him very much.”

And the increase in parcel shipping has also shifted some of his workload to installing and remodeling parcel lockers.

He spends a lot of time alone, so he’s learned how to pack the right tools and be resourceful.

“We have to be self-reliant due to the remote locationsof many of the smaller offices. In a typical day, I visit from one to several postal facilities,” said Alamond.

“What would we do without him?” said Grass Range, MT, Postmaster Peggy Nelson. “When he walks through the door, I am so glad to see

him. He’s so wonderful to work with.”Alamond has been a USPS

employee for 25 years — the last 10 in area maintenance.

The jack of all trades doesn’t rest on the weekend. Right now, he’s remodeling his home and helping his in-laws with their home repairs.

The Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-7326) is a federal law that restricts the political activity of

federal and Postal Service employees while on duty, on government property, wearing an official uniform, or using a government vehicle. It also prohibits candidates campaigning for election to public office on leased or owned postal property.

Under the Hatch Act, Postal Service employees may:

■ Be candidates for public office in nonpartisan elections.

■ Register and vote as they choose.■ Assist in voter registration drives.■ Express opinions about

candidates and issues.■ Contribute money to political

organizations.

What is the Hatch Act?■ Attend political fundraising functions.■ Attend and be active at political

rallies and meetings.■ Join and be an active member of a

political party or club.■ Sign nominating petitions.■ Campaign for or against referendum

questions, con stitutional amendments, and municipal ordinances.

■ Campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections.

■ Make speeches for candidates in partisan elections.

■ Distribute campaign literature in partisan elections.

■ Hold office in political clubs or parties.

Postal Service employees may not:■ Use official authority or influence to

interfere with an election.

■ Solicit, receive, or collect political contributions unless both individuals are members of the same federal labor organization or employee organization, and the one solicited is not a subordinate employee.

■ Knowingly solicit or discourage the political activity of any person who has business before the agency.

■ Engage in political activity while on duty, wearing an official uniform, using a government vehicle, or in any government office.

■ Solicit political contributions from the general public.

■ Solicit or receive political contributions.

■ Be candidates for public office in partisan elections.

■ Wear political buttons on duty.

For information about the Hatch Act or other ethical conduct matters, contact the HQ Ethics Helpline at (202) 268-6346 or [email protected]. Additional information is available at osc.gov/hatchact.htm.

Billings, MT, Area Maintenance Technician Chris Alamond.


Shark tank brings out big ideas, enthusiasm

The ideas are out there. You’re thinking of

them while delivering your route, or loading the bar code scanner, or serving customers in line.

Better. Faster. Safer.Modeled after a

popular television show, the Nevada-Sierra District is hosting a “Shark Tank” event, where participants get to bring their best ideas to the table.

For weeks, Nevada-Sierra employees were asked,

■ Do you have an idea but don’t know who to speak to?

■ Do you have an idea on how an operation can run better?

■ Do you have ideas on safety, retail, wait time in line, CCA training?

■ Where do you see struggles and have ideas on making things easier, more efficient?

After review, the submitters will have a chance to “make their pitch” in front of the Nevada-Sierra leadership team.

The presentations are meant to be imaginative.

“We are encouraging people to use their best creativity,” said Learning Development and Diversity Manager Angie Bush. “They use props, handouts, music, slide shows, even costumes — anything to sell the idea!”

Las Vegas Carrier Technician Alan Gegax submitted an idea about how to implement new programs that impact carriers, such as the recent “load truck” and “package look ahead” features.

“Whenever the Post Office rolls out a new

procedure, supervisors aren’t always given the tools to communicate the change,” said Gegax. “They sometimes have minimal understanding of the new procedures, making the interaction challenging.”

His idea is to utilize instructors from the Carrier Academy to go into the units and present the process and the reason for the change.

“Carriers trust us because we deliver the mail just like they do,” said Gegax. “In many cases, we were the ones who first taught them to deliver mail.”

Gegax is excited about the opportunity to present his idea.

Las Vegas Carrier Technician Alan Gegax.

“I like the ‘Shark Tank’ idea because the people who are on the front lines are in the best position to see the inefficiencies and offer tweaks for improvement,” he said. “The concept gives employees the opportunity to have a voice in their workplace.”

Other ideas to improve efficiency, productivity, work conditions and safety have been submitted. Bush appreciates the value the networking event brings to employee engagement.

“This event promotes communication and teamwork between senior leadership and employees,” said Bush. “Employees will have the opportunity to meet, share their ideas, choose the leader with the best sales pitch and work with the selected leader/team to implement the idea. Everyone has ideas but may feel they have no voice. The “Shark Tank” networking events are the perfect place to start.”

Bush appreciated the positive contributions offered by the participants and looks forward to the next inspiring event.

“Congratulations to the employees who participated in the ‘Shark Tank’ networking event,” said Bush. “Idea proposals ranging from safety in vehicles, the workroom floor and

mirror stations, to guidebooks, barcode labels, security clamps, purging for space and better communications were well received and approved by the Shark Tank team. The participants showed creativity by presenting proposals using power point, video, in costume, enhance photos and actual samples.”

NEVADA-SIERRA

Senior Plant Manager Jason McMahill, Nevada-Sierra District Manager Belinda Olson, and Las Vegas Postmaster Kathy Hand (far right) with Shark Tank winners Valentino Diaz, Donald McMichael, Joshua Uini, Alan Gegax, David (DC) Clark and James Krueger.


Custodians recognized for providing safe environment

A safe workplace is usually

measured in the little things – the daily activities that employees do to keep themselves and others safe.

For North Las Vegas Custodians George Cruz and Ted Bradley, their attention to those little details on the workroom floor was recently recognized by Western Area and Nevada-Sierra Safety Office.

“We appreciate the hard work George and Ted do every day,” said Western Area Safety Manager Laveda Padilla. “What they do are bright

offices I’ve ever seen,” said Padilla.

Padilla specifically mentioned the organization and cleanliness of the hazard communication (HAZCOM) station.

“As a manager, it’s amazing to come to work in a facility that is this clean,” said Station Manager Victor Picciurro. “It speaks to the pride in their work and improves employee morale. Ted and George make this facility a source of pride for all North Las Vegas employees.”

“Good housekeeping equals our safety and

health,” said Cruz. Bradley added, “We just do the best

job we can every day.”

NEVADA-SIERRA

The new way for Postal Service employees to share ideas.

We get the best ideas from our employees.

We want yours.

For more information on IdeaSMART, visit liteblue.usps.gov/ideasmart.

Share youridea

Collaboratewith others

Improve aprocess

beacons of excellence for others to follow.”“North Las Vegas is one of the

cleanest, safest and most organized

NEVADA-SIERRA

North Las Vegas Custodians George Cruz and Ted Bradley.


PORTLAND

Bring it on

Portland District Lead Operations Industrial Engineer Tom Handa asked his manager to put him in

charge of one of the largest projects ever seen in the district.

When Handa heard Portland was going to get a new Processing & Distribution Center, he went to his boss, Senior Plant Manager Felipe Flores, and asked to be put in charge of the operation.

The Postal Service sold its former Portland P&DC facility in the downtown part of the city and announced plans to build a new plant near Portland International Airport.

Flores, with complete trust in Handa’s engineering and organization skills, granted him the request without hesitation, and Handa became the activation plant coordinator.

The new 800,000-square-foot building houses the downtown P&DC as well as the Mount Hood P&DC and the Vehicle Maintenance Facility. The Portland District staff is also located in the building. A construction contract was awarded in September 2016 and the new building became operational June 16, 2018.

“I knew it would be a tremendous undertaking and very challenging, but I felt I would be able to complete it,” Handa said. ”It’s been a lot of work with many challenges along the way. I’ve had some great people to work

with who helped make this project a reality.

“There were three or four major changes as we moved along,” he noted. “But, everybody involved pitched in and we adjusted to get it done.”

Chief Operating Officer Dave Williams and Facilities Vice President Tom Samra visited the site in April as the project neared completion. “They were very impressed with what they saw. They were very supportive and enthusiastic,” Handa noted.

Flores was impressed and pleased with Handa’s work to bring the project to fruition. “I want to extend my appreciation for the amazing work performed by Tom,” Flores said. “He volunteered and stepped up to lead this major project. He spent endless hours working on the project. The professionalism that he displayed in his role impressed the entire team.

“Due to Tom’s efforts and leadership, the project met its goals and serves as an example for the Postal Service of how a project team can set goals and obtain support from the organization,” Flores explained.

“With lots of positive feedback from the various headquarters, area and contractor teams, we want to thank Tom for an outstanding job leading the successful Portland P&DC and VMF activation project,” he added.

Portland P&DC Plant Activation Coordinator Tom Handa outside the new building.

MID-AMERICA

One of the longest routes

Erie, KS, Rural Carrier Mike McGuire.

Erie, KS, Rural Carrier Mike McGuire spends about six and a half hours each day

behind the wheel of his Chevy Blazer delivering mail to Crawford County residents. McGuire’s day starts in St. Paul, KS, but his route also delivers to residents of Walnut and Hepler. Mike logs more than 183 miles each day.

McGuire serves 178 customers on his route along country roads. In some remote areas, there are three or four miles between stops.

“When the weather is bad and the road conditions are poor, I take a gas can along to make sure I don’t run short on gas before pulling back into town,” said McGuire. “I keep good tires on my vehicle so I’m not stranded out there changing flats.”

According to McGuire, the best part about the job is getting the opportunity to be out and about with the country landscape and the spectacular view that comes with it. Mike spent 13 years as a rural carrier associate waiting for a regular route to become vacant. When that opportunity opened up in 2008, he took advantage of it. He eventually obtained one of the longest routes in the Postal Service in 2014 where he has remained ever since.


NORTHLAND

Preparing the next generation

Since 2013, Hopkins, MN, City Carrier Assistant (CCA) Academy Trainer Mark Gortze

sets a positive, fun and professional tone for the learning experience, reinforces the need for safety, and helps new CCAs understand that what they do is important to the entire organization.

Gortze is a 31-year letter carrier stationed in Hopkins, MN, and relies on his extensive experience and safety acumen to develop new carriers in Northland. He projects an upbeat and polished image, providing encouragement and direction through honest communication to ensure the new carriers’ success.

Remaining flexible and patient are valuable tools in a trainer’s

help keep trainees’ minds on the business of learning, Gortze injects random forms of entertainment during his teaching, which fosters a connection with new employees and helps them stay focused.

CCA Academy Master Trainer Jeremy Rothstein had high praise for Gortze, likening the trainer’s skills to his own.

“He’s practically a clone of me, so he’s perfect,” said Rothstein in jest. “The only fault I can find in him is he mispronounces the word ‘route’ as he’s from Boston, you know.”

toolkit. Gortze understands this and practices a high level of understanding during the training process. He also adapts to CCAs’ challenges in comprehending the many detailed aspects of being a letter carrier.

Gortze teaches that being a carrier is more than just delivering mail, and speaks of USPS’s mission to connect people across the country and the world. He also consistently performs and speaks with integrity, exemplifying what it means to be a professional carrier.

For some individuals in training, maintaining focus on a large amount of new material might be difficult. To

Hopkins, MN, City Carrier Assistant Academy Trainer Mark Gortze.

HAWKEYE

Great service, positive influence

Rapid City, IL, Postmaster Julie Gray praised the dedication of Rural Carrier Kimberlee Clark

who achieved 30 years of service. Clark began her career in 1988

as a clerk in Thompson, IL. She transitioned to her present rural

carrier position in 1989. Since that time, she has driven accident-free along her route.

“A good measure of success the Postal Service has been able to achieve is a direct result of your many years of

support and assistance,” Gray wrote in a service letter to Clark.

Rapid City, IL, Rural Carrier Kimberlee Clark.

Carrier concern rescues customer

Davenport, IA, Letter Carrier Richard Donner was on his route when he heard knocking on a customer’s

window. When he investigated, he found a customer who had fallen inside his home and couldn’t move.

Donner contacted emergency responders and told them about the

Post Office Operations Manager Thomas Allen presents Letter Carrier Richard Donner with a certificate of excellence.

situation. When he got off the phone, Donner waited with the customer until help arrived.

Post Office Operations Manager Thomas Allen presented Donner with a certificate of excellence and a special plaque for his heroism and concern for his customer’s well-being.


SALT LAKE CITY

Quality training checkpoints, safety squads, engaging employees cut vehicle accidents

Safety Specialist Annette McBride challenges a city carrier assistant to back at least one foot from the center cone and between the two outside cones.

Much like BASF, a company long known for taking existing products and making them

better, a Lean Six Sigma black belt project and a team of safety-minded employees from Southern Idaho have taken a driver safety program and made it better.

A cross-functional safety team known as the Quality Mirror Adjustment Squad (QMAS), whose sole purpose is to retrain carriers on properly adjusting mirrors to prevent accidents, is helping carriers to recognize and avoid hazards on their routes.

The QMAS has improved the quantity and quality of training carriers receive by adding a trio of driver safety checkpoints for carriers.

The safety checkpoints include:■ Quality vehicle inspection■ Mirror station for optimal

mirror adjustment■ Driving test using mirrors,

ensuring vehicle clearances and reinforcing rollaway/runaway preventative measures

“Every new carrier essentially goes through an initial driver’s training before going to their assigned office,” said Safety Specialist Annette McBride. “In Boise, we run the new drivers through

a QMAS at their assigned station, with the vehicle they will be operating, within a month or so after starting to carry mail. This brush-up reaffirms the skills they learned in initial driver’s training.”

The training is given to both new and veteran carriers. Boise Main Post Office Letter Carrier and QMAS member Deb Harris appreciates the dedicated efforts to improving safety.

“QMAS is extremely beneficial, giving carriers actual hands on experience and making it worthwhile,” said Harris. “Many carriers have told me that QMAS helped them in knowing the LLVs blind spots and clearances.”

QMAS was built as part of a Lean Six Sigma black belt project for safety led by District Safety Manager Jamie Seavello.

“We were looking to enhance the counseling at risk employee program by adding an interactive on-site activity built around our leading accident indicators,” said Seavello. “QMAS was developed and has been replicated at over 35 facilities throughout Salt Lake District. The offices that were targeted by the black belt project saw a 29 percent reduction of accidents in fiscal year 2018 compared to the previous year. It has been well received

and an effective tool in educating employees and changing the culture of safety in Salt Lake City District.”

The idea for safety checkpoints emerged from the creative mind of Safety Specialist Annette McBride upon hearing Boise Cole Village Station Manager Michelle Gould-Jones’ report that a vehicle accident was preventable had the carrier looked in the correct mirror.

“As I presented the idea to our safety team, it evolved,” said McBride.

A traveling team ensures the mirror-check station is put in place. More are planned. The local management, local safety ambassador/captain, and local driver safety instructor are trained as trainers.

While McBride said the greatest success with QMAS is reducing motor vehicle accidents and injuries, the big bonus is employee engagement across the board from craft up to the district manager becoming involved.

“A big lesson learned is that we can’t take for granted that carriers know how to do a proper vehicle inspection, know their vehicle clearances, understand proper mirror adjustments or postal driving policies, whether they are new hires or seasoned veterans,” said McBride.

Boise, ID, Main Office Station Letter Carrier and QMAS member Deb Harris with City Carrier Assistant and driving student Nikolay Bukhantsov.


SEATTLE

Safety and service

Tacoma, WA, Letter Carrier Greg Houkum.

“I’ve always believed that a job worth doing, is worth doing right,” said Tacoma

Letter Carrier Greg Houkum.“I have an 11-year-old

daughter and I’ve tried to plant that idea with her,” he added. “I don’t think she wants to be a letter carrier when she grows up. But, it doesn’t matter – I think that motto can be applied to any task we take on, whether it’s a career job or a short-term project.”

Houkum has been with the Postal Service for approximately 13 years. He started out as holiday season casual. He’s been on his current route at Downtown Tacoma Station for seven years.

“I love my job and my route. I like to work alone,” he noted.

“I walk about eight miles a day in the Stadium District. My route is mostly residential deliveries in an area of older, but very nice homes. I like getting out in the fresh air and walking. And I enjoy seeing my customers. I’ve watched kids grow up and move on. My ideal weather for working is about 50 degrees and a light drizzle.”

“I like to put myself in my customer’s perspective – I try to treat them the way I want to be treated in a business relationship,” Houkum explained. “There was an older gentleman on my route that I saw almost every day. Unfortunately, there were few people in his life and I think he looked forward to seeing me and having a chance to chat briefly. He passed away recently and I miss him.”

Houkum has been encouraged to get into a management position in the Postal Service. “I’m not really interested in management, I prefer

to remain a carrier.”Houkum is the safety

captain for his office, a job he takes very seriously. “I don’t want to see anyone get hurt on the job. I think it’s very important that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day. If I see something that is potentially dangerous I let management know so it can be corrected. And, if I see someone not working safely, I call them on it so they can avoid getting injured,” he said.

Acting Station Manager Leslie Green is very impressed with Houkum, calling him “a great, all-around, exemplary employee.” She adds, “Greg is always polite, always willing to help others and he frequently goes above and beyond what is expected of him.”

Green says Houkum takes his safety captain responsibilities very seriously. “He cares very much and he’s always coming up with extra information about safety. He also asks if he can do stand-up talks. You could say he ‘owns’ safety around here,” she explained.

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■ Get to a cool, air-conditioned area.■ Drink water if able to.■ Take a cool shower or use a cold compress.

Heat stress

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Heat Stroke■ Throbbing headache■ No sweating■ Body Temperature above 103°■ Red, hot, dry skin■ Nausea or Vomiting■ Rapid, strong pulse■ May lose consciousness.

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from the area vice president sharing a safety...

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