Thursday, February 12, 2026
Watch your step while on the job
Here are some tips to prevent slips, trips and falls
The Postal Service is urging employees to be aware of their surroundings, even when doing something as simple as walking.
A letter carrier recently tripped during a routine delivery when returning to his vehicle after dropping off a package. The employee said he lost his footing on a patch of grass growing between stones in the customer’s driveway.
The employee struck his head on the ground and injured his left wrist.
The Postal Service offers these tips, which are especially useful for delivery personnel:
• Remain vigilant in looking for uneven surfaces, loose gravel, grass patches or other trip hazards on driveways and walkways.
• Wear proper footwear with slip-resistant soles that provide adequate traction on various surfaces, including wet grass, gravel and stone.
• Talk with customers to ensure they maintain clear, hazard-free access to mailboxes and delivery paths.
• Report hazards to Postal Service managers so they can warn other employees through their mobile delivery devices of potential risks.
Off the Clock
He teaches a martial art to students of all ages
This employee has a black belt in kenpo, a mixture of karate, kung fu and other fighting styles
My name is Mark Inglett and I’m the strategic communications manager for the Postal Service’s Central Area.
I live in Kansas City, MO. When I’m not traveling for the job, talking to the media and keeping up with other work commitments, I am lifting weights and working out almost every day. I like to reinvent myself by setting fitness goals and benchmarks that help me become a better person.
Sports and athletics have always played a major role in my life. I played competitive softball on a travel team for 30 years before turning to long-distance running. I have competed in many half-marathons and completed my first marathon last fall in Springfield, MO.
I have a black belt in kenpo — also known as kempo — which combines Japanese karate and Chinese kung fu with influences from jujutsu, judo and boxing. I teach this form of martial arts to classes of all ages in Independence, MO.
I incorporate the communication skills gained from my position with the Postal Service into my teaching. The best part of instructing a student who is introverted and scared at first is watching them become more confident and gain a sense of “Oh, wow! I just did that.” Once I can get them to a comfort zone, the sky’s the limit and that feels great.
It can be challenging to teach kids because they can get bored quickly, and I have to keep them interested. I always tell them, “Look, just because you’re a purple belt, green belt or a brown belt doesn’t mean you can go out and rule the world.” I emphasize that they need to use it wisely and when they get that, that’s the most rewarding.
My method for teaching adults doesn’t differ much because they’re all just big kids in a way. A lot of times when they begin classes, they’re not in the best shape or just trying to start some form of fitness activity. Sometimes someone is taking classes to improve their self-defense because of a fight where they were humbled, and they don’t want that to happen to them again.
I have to know why they’re there and once I get that part, I can help them to not be afraid of reaching their potential.
“Off the Clock,” a column on Postal Service employees and their after-hours pursuits, appears regularly in Link.
Presidents Day is next week
The annual observance dates to the 19th century
Washington’s Birthday, also known as Presidents Day, will be observed Monday, Feb. 16.
The annual observance began in the early 19th century. After George Washington’s death in 1799, his birthday — Feb. 22 — was celebrated informally across the young nation.
In 1879, Congress declared Feb. 22 a federal holiday.
A 1968 law moved the holiday to the third Monday of each February.
With the holiday no longer attached to the former president’s date of birth, the day came to celebrate all U.S. commanders in chief.
In addition to observing Washington’s Birthday, the Postal Service salutes presidents through its stamp program.
The most recent stamp to feature a president was last year’s release honoring Jimmy Carter, the 39th president, who served from 1977 to 1981 and died in 2024.
Mail
Phillis Wheatley video gets positive review
Reader admires poet’s gifts and accomplishments
Email us your feedback. Your comments could be included in our “Mail” column.
February 17, 2026
Datebook
‘Taking the Lead’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar on making meaningful contributions to the workplace, regardless of role or seniority.
The session, “Taking the Lead,” will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from DeVry University, which offers tuition discounts for USPS employees, will lead the webinar.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must participate off the clock or during authorized breaks.
Employees with questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
WestPac Area, Colorado-Wyoming District on top in scanning
A snapshot of Postal Service scanning data shows the national rating was 96.96 percent during the week ending Feb. 6, down 0.39 percent from one week earlier.
The data was collected Feb. 11.
WestPac led the four areas with a rating of 97.25 percent, while Atlantic ranked last with a 96.69 percent rating.
Among the 50 districts, Colorado-Wyoming, part of WestPac Area, ranked first with a 98.26 percent rating, while Alaska, also part of WestPac Area, ranked last with a 94.03 percent rating.
Scanning data allows customers to track their mail and packages, which helps USPS deliver excellent service, boost loyalty and drive revenue.
To see the latest data, go to the Informed Visibility website and select “Customer Experience,” followed by “DES 2 Scan Performance.” Postal Service employees must request Informed Visibility access through eAccess.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
-
Watch your step while on the job
Here are some tips to prevent slips, trips and falls
-
Off the Clock
He teaches a martial art to students of all ages
-
Presidents Day is next week
The annual observance dates to the 19th century
-
Mail
Featured reader quote
“I really enjoyed the Postal Service video spotlighting Colonial-era author and poet Phillis Wheatley, the 49th honoree in the Black Heritage stamp series. She was a gifted poet...”
— Jacqueline Hafler, Mobile, AL
-
February17Datebook
‘Taking the Lead’
-
Brief
WestPac Area, Colorado-Wyoming District on top in scanning