Canada Post reminding homeowners to keep sidewalks clean for mail carriers

The recent thaw-freeze weather cycle has created some treacherous conditions for mail carriers and other door-to-door delivery people.

Canada Post Local Area Manager Brent Guppy has urged area residents to help prevent injuries on their property by clearing slippery sidewalks and steps. Residents can reduce the slip hazards on their property by applying sand or ice melt. Thawing conditions provide an ideal opportunity to shovel hard-packed snow or break up accumulated ice.

"We have encountered numerous injuries and near injuries this winter and we still have the spring thaw ahead of us," says Guppy. "We'd also like to thank the customers who have helped our carriers stay safe by keeping their steps and sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Canada Post employees greatly appreciate your co-operation."

Nationally, Canada Post carriers experience over 1,500 slip, trip and fall injuries yearly, with 85 per cent injuries occurring outside of CPC, largely on customers' property.

Guppy reminded the public that if a mail carrier judges a walkway or set of stairs to be dangerous, he or she is not obligated to deliver to that particular address until the walking surfaces are improved. This can cause unnecessary delivery delays for customers.

"Canada Post's goal is to deliver all of our customers' mail in a safe manner. If it is unsafe to deliver, a Canada Post supervisor will leave a card in a customer's mailbox explaining why the property is unsafe for delivery. We are always happy to work with our customers to make their property safe so mail delivery can resume. Meanwhile they are welcome pick up their mail at the post office," says Guppy.

Rural customers can help ensure roads leading to mailboxes and the area around the mailboxes are cleared and safe for travel.