FederalDaily - May 15, 2006

Agencies Should Improve Telework Plans

Six agencies reviewed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have not yet fully complied with guidelines for instituting emergency continuity of operations procedures (COOP), particularly in regards to telework. According to GAO, none of the agencies conducted all necessary exercises, such as moving workers to alternate work locations. One way to keep employees working through emergencies is through telework, but GAO found very few agencies had documented COOP teleworking guidance. Agencies are not required to incorporate teleworking into COOP planning, the report said. However, GAO wrote, “If agencies do not make adequate preparations, they may not be able to use telework effectively to ensure the continuity of their essential functions in emergencies.” The report is available online at www.gao.gov/new.items/d06713.pdf.

:: Back to Top ::

PTSD May Go Undiagnosed Among Many Troops

A significant number of troops suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may not be receiving necessary mental health care, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study released last week. Using questionnaire data provided by the Department of Defense (DoD), GAO found that 9,145 Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom veterans (5 percent) were at risk for developing PTSD. Of that number, only 22 percent received referrals for further medical evaluation. DoD and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guidelines that say that individuals with three or more positive answers on the questionnaire were likely to develop PTSD. Yet not all individuals who gave three or more positive answers were referred for further medical evaluations. GAO recommended that DoD and the VA identify additional factors used to determine which soldiers receive further medical evaluation. To read the report, go to www.gao.gov/new.items/d06397.pdf.

:: Back to Top ::

BOP Whistleblower Response Inadequate

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) failed to sufficiently investigate whether employees were exposed to hazardous materials at a computer recycling facility, according to a recently released report from the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). Leroy Smith—a safety manager—first raised concerns in 2002 about exposure to toxic materials and abuse of authority by the agency. BOP’s internal investigation concluded that management and staff took “appropriate steps to ensure factories [were] operating safely.” OSC, however, found that BOP’s findings—while meeting statutory guidelines—were “unreasonable.” According to OSC, Smith’s evidence suggested that management did not react appropriately to safety concerns. BOP’s investigation, the report said, did not address all of the safety concerns Smith cited, and did not obtain all information available on the allegedly hazardous conditions. OSC concluded that a new, independent investigation into Smith’s claims would be necessary. To read the report, go to www.osc.gov/documents/press/2006/report06_2006.pdf.

:: Back to Top ::

House Approves Free Mail Privileges for Military Families

The House approved a proposal last Thursday to provide free mailing privileges to military families sending letters and care packages overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y., is part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007. In a press release Fossella said, “To help make life better for our soldiers and to ease the financial burden on those back home, this measure will cover the cost of mailing a monthly package to our servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan.” According to Fossella, some military families were spending $1,500 on postage for care packages to deployed servicemembers.

:: Back to Top ::