Stay safe while traveling

We’re talking about common-sense precautions when you travel.

Here are some tips to keep you, your belongings and your money safe during travel.

• Don’t look like a tourist. Learn your route ahead of time. Step into a business for directions instead of asking a stranger on the street.
• If you’re traveling alone, don’t advertise that fact. Stick with groups whenever possible and keep information-sharing with chatty cab drivers and strangers to a minimum.
• Always have a lock for your luggage and use room safes to secure items.
• Don’t advertise where you keep your money. Keep purses close to your body or under your clothing or jacket. Make sure your wallet is secure in your pocket and have a copy of your credit card numbers and the telephone numbers you need to cancel them.
• Don’t wear flashy jewelry or expensive clothing.
• Never open your hotel door without looking to see who’s knocking.
• Place a copy of your passport and travel documents in your carry-on luggage, in case you lose the original documents.
• Make sure family or friends know your itinerary.

Pay attention. Don’t allow yourself to be too preoccupied by that meeting you’re attending or tourist site you’re visiting to be safe.

And that’s smart safety.

For additional information or guidance, contact your safety office.

Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) Safety

Pallet jacks come in handy for moving mail containers.  However, improper use of pallet jacks can lead to injury, including back or shoulder strains and falls.

Here are some tips on how to use them safely.

• Center the forks evenly under the load and make sure the load is stable.
• Park the pallet truck out of traffic areas in a safe, level place.
• Make sure the forks of parked pallet jacks don’t stick out into an aisle where someone could trip.
• Hand pallet jacks don’t have brakes so operate at a controllable speed.
• If a pallet jack becomes stuck while you’re using it, try to identify the obstruction and remove it. Work the jack from side to side to free it.
• Trying to “muscle” pallet jacks could cause you to lose balance, traction or grip, resulting in back and shoulder strains or falls. Jerking the handle increases the risk of injury.

And that’s smart safety.

For additional information or guidance, contact your safety office.