Addresser and Simple, Routine, Repetitive Work

Assume simple, routine or simple, repetitive tasks in a sedentary residual functional capacity.  A favorite among vocational experts is occupation of addresser.  The DOT describes the occupation:

DOT Narrative: 209.587-010 ADDRESSER (clerical) alternate titles: addressing clerk; envelope addresser Addresses by hand or typewriter, envelopes, cards, advertising literature, packages, and similar items for mailing. May sort mail.
GOE: 07.07.02 STRENGTH: S GED: R2 M1 L2 SVP: 2 DLU: 77

O*NET URL: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-9022.00
DOT-O*NET Crosswalk: https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/DOT?s=209.587-010&g=GO

 The reasoning level 2 code is typically the high watermark for simple that requires no explanation  The trailer contains the GOE code as well that is explained in the DOT and the SCO.  Appendix C of the DOT informs that the first two digits "07" refer to business detail.  The GOE description in the SCO describes the first four digits "07.07" as:

Occupations in this group are concerned with relatively routine clerical duties, such as filing, sorting, copying, routing, or delivering letters, packages, or messages, that require little special training or skill. Skills and abilities required include: Doing clerical tasks that require limited special skills; following simple instructions; doing routine, repetitive work; cooperating with others; and reading or copying information without errors.

That phrase embedded in the description implies that the occupations in that category are simple, routine, and repetitive.  The list of clerical tasks includes (1) limited special skills; (2) cooperating with others; and (3) reading and copying information without errors.  Of the 40 DOT codes on the list, 22 are unskilled and 19 of that 22 carry a reasoning level 2 designation.  The second task statement is not all encompassing but provides cover for the wayward vocational expert.  

Using that same narrative and the other three components of the task set do provide a basis for raising unresolved apparent conflict with the SCO.  Cooperating with others requires interaction with others.  The SRT limitation typically has a social component that finds a leverage point based on the need for cooperation in the workplace.  Reading and copying information without errors eliminates the off-task limitation of even small proportions.  

Q:  Assume the person described is off-task 5% of the day.  Could the person work as an addresser?

A:  Absolutely.  That is less than the tolerance of any reasonable employer. 

Q:  If the employer received back 5% of the envelopes, cards, advertising literature, packages, and similar items handled by the person, would that person be able to sustain employment?

A misspelled name, bad address, bad zip code all lead to either the return of the item by the carrier or an upset/annoyed customer.  This work requires attention to detail  Addressers carry the data code (4th digit) of 5, defined in Appendix B as copying.  The electronic files (reported in WestLaw, Occu Collect, and Job Sleuth and probably others) report that this function is significant.  The people and things codes are not significant.  The primary job function of addresser is copying and getting it right.  We know this form the SCO and the DOT. 

The electronic files report the need for average clerical perception; average manual dexterity; and the singular temperament for repetitive work.  The DOT=SCO demand a basis for resolving the apparent conflicts under the administrative notice regulation as interpreted by SSR 00-4p.  The reasoning level 2 does not end the inquiry as the DOT, SCO, and the electronic files provide more basis for questioning the propriety of this obsolete occupation.