You accidentally damage a piece of mail or a package while handling it. What should you do?

INTEGRITY and ACCOUNTABILITY: If you accidentally damage mail, the right action is to REPORT it per procedure so it can be properly handled (rewrapped, documented, the customer notified as appropriate) — taking responsibility. Hiding it, discarding it (a serious offense), or blaming a coworker all score poorly and demonstrate poor integrity. The 475 VEA rewards honesty and accountability — accidents happen, but how you handle them matters. Owning mistakes and following proper procedures to address them protects the mail and reflects the integrity USPS requires of employees entrusted with the public's mail; concealment or dishonesty is never acceptable.