FedUp: Mental Illness & Disorders, OWCP Stress Claims, & Other Resources

Episode 21 is here! In this episode we talk about mental illness and mental disorders stemming from having to work in a toxic and hostile work environment. We also address how we can file an OWCP stress claim regarding our mental illness and/or disorders, what’s needed to do that, and other useful resources to combat…

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USPS OIG Report: Workers’ Compensation Program Update

Background Postal Service employees who sustain a work-related injury or occupational disease are covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). These benefits include wage-loss compensation, medical and rehabilitation services, and death benefit payments to surviving dependents. The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Workers’ Compensation Program has the exclusive authority to administer, implement, and…

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Congresswoman Pressley and Colleagues Urge Extension of COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Postal Workers

Provision enabling clear access to workers’ compensation due to COVID set to expire on January 27, 2023 December 16, 2022 BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), in partnership with Representatives Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08), led their colleagues in calling for the extension of an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provision…

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Postal Bulletin: Avoid Slips, Trips, and Falls

Hazards such as uneven surfaces or distracted walking can pose a serious threat to Postal Service™ employees. Last year, the United States Postal Service reported over 16,000 Postal Service employees were victims of a slip, trip, or fall. Most slip, trip, and fall incidents involve mail carriers. They tripped stepping onto a curb or uneven…

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USPS Handbook EL-505 name changed from Injury Compensation to “Workers’ Compensation”

Effective June 30, 2022, the Postal Service™ is revising Handbook EL-505, Injury Compensation, to change its name to “Workers’ Compensation” and to update standards in various chapters. Revisions will also include deleting Chapter 2 and the Index. Handbook EL-505 is being revised to reflect changes and updates to applicable U.S. Postal Service® regulations, policies, and…

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APWU: OWCP Regional Resource Assistants for Human Relations Department

From: Liz Powell <epowell@apwu.org> Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2022 Subject: OWCP Regional Resource Assistant Local/State Presidents, APWU Family As per our discussion on Monday’s call, if there is anyone in your local/state who is knowledgeable and actively involved in OWCP matters, that you would like to recommend to serve as a Regional Resource Assistant(s), please…

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USPS rolls out Safety and Health Management Tool on October 1

The Postal Service will roll out the Safety and Health Management Tool on Oct. 1. The tool, also known as SHMT, will replace the Employee Health and Safety (EHS) accident reporting process and the functionality of the old Safety Toolkit. The SHMT will help nonbargaining staff at USPS headquarters in Washington, DC, and in the…

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USPS OIG Report: Accident Reporting

Objective Our objective was to review and assess the effectiveness of management’s controls over reporting accidents. Postal Service management is responsible and accountable for the prevention of accidents and responsible for controlling losses, such as ensuring quality of performance and operating within cost and budget guidelines. Management’s role is to share responsibility for the safety…

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