Tuesday • November26

Smart Business Moment

Outside Activities

Representing Others Before the Government

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Outside Activities

Representing Others Before the Government

As a federal employee, in general you may not make representations to the Postal Service or other federal agencies on behalf of others.
For example, you may not call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on behalf of your friend to ask for a reduction of a penalty assessed against him for late payment.
You may not call Supply Management to try to help a neighbor’s business get a Postal Service contract.
You don’t want to come close to this line because criminal liability is at stake – contact the Ethics Office (ethics.help@usps.gov) for guidance.

When you avoid a conflict of interest between your interests outside of work and the interests of the federal government, you enhance the Postal Service’s reputation for trustworthiness.

And that’s smart business.

Alternate business moment

Misuse of Position

Don’t Position Yourself to Benefit Yourself

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Misuse of Position

Don’t Position Yourself to Benefit Yourself

As a Postal Service employee, you can’t use your position for your private gain.
Or the private gain of your relatives.
Or anyone you are affiliated with outside the government.

When you keep it ethical, you maintain the integrity of the Postal Service.

And that’s smart business.

More than half of the OIG’s misconduct investigations involve a misuse-of-position issue. Contact the Ethics Office (ethics.help@usps.gov) for more guidance.

Smart Safety Moment

Deer crossing

Oh, deer.

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Deer crossing

Oh, deer.

A booming deer population is resulting in an increasing number of deer-car collisions. These accidents are more likely to happen at dawn and dusk, and especially during the animal’s breeding season in the fall. If you see a deer cross the roadway, slow down because there could be more to follow. When driving at night, use high-beam headlights to illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway. Slow down and sound one long blast of the horn to frighten them away. Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit other vehicles or lose control of their cars.

A collision with a deer can result in personal injury and costly damage to your vehicle. Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones and in areas known to have a large deer population.

And that’s smart safety!

For additional information or guidance, contact your safety office.

Alternate safety moment

Blood pressure

What goes up can come down.

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2024ssm-bloodpressure

Blood pressure

What goes up can come down.

It’s estimated that one in every four Americans suffers from high blood pressure, or hypertension. Untreated, it can lead to stroke, heart attack or kidney damage. To prevent high blood pressure, reduce sodium intake, maintain a healthy diet and weight, exercise regularly, limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, and don’t smoke.

Get your blood pressure checked regularly. With proper treatment you can lead a normal life, usually with the help of daily medication.

And that’s smart safety!

For additional information or guidance, contact your safety office.

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