Postal workers face a unique set of challenges every day, and one of the most significant risks they encounter is dog bites. Even with their commitment and diligence, these workers regularly face the possibility of dog attacks when carrying mail.
Understanding the reasons behind this issue is important for improving safety measures. Additionally, it ensures that postal workers won’t experience undue dread while carrying out their jobs. This article examines a few of the factors that increase the risk of dog attacks for postal workers. It also mentions some preventive measures that postal workers can use.
Nature of the Job
According to the Postal Employee Network, there are around 630,000 employees working in this department in the US. They are working across 34,000 locations, largely in the rural locations in the country. Although the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is at a loss, it is one of the largest employers in the country.
This wide network of employees has to go from place to place to deliver the items sent through the postal services. Thus, they have to visit many houses, many of which may have untrained dogs.
Why Dogs May Feel Territorial
Dogs may consider these postal workers as someone trying to break into the house and may bite them. This constant exposure to various environments and the need to approach doors and mailboxes puts them in close proximity to many dogs. This increases the likelihood of dog bites for postal workers in the US.
Many cities and towns are more dangerous because of the nature of the dogs living there. For instance, St. Louis is one of the cities where postal workers usually face many dog bites. Data from USPS shows that it ranked seventh in 2022 and jumped up to the fourth rank in 2023.
The Territorial Behavior of Dogs
Dogs are naturally territorial animals and perceive their homes and the areas surrounding them as their domain. Therefore, if anyone unfamiliar enters their territory, they often react aggressively towards perceived intruders.
When a postal worker approaches a house, the dog’s instinctual response may be to protect its territory. This territorial behavior can lead to aggressive actions, especially if the dog feels threatened or cornered by the presence of an unfamiliar person.
Increasing Number of Bites
This may sometimes lead to dog bites even in the presence of their owners. According to a CBS News article, the number of dog attacks on these employees increased to over 5,800 in 2023. It also mentions that the insurance claim costs for a dog bite can go up to around $65,000. USPS states that pet owners can be held responsible for these dog bites.
However, this is not usually true because while they could be held responsible, they don’t have to pay anything. Since the postal workers are employees, these amounts have to be filed under worker’s compensation claims. They are unable to sue the pet owners for bodily injuries.
Dog Bites for Non Postal Workers
This is not the same for other individuals who have been bitten while not in their working hours. Let’s consider the same example of St. Louis, where dog bites for postal workers are high. Similarly, even other individuals who are not working as postal workers need to be aware of dogs in these cities.
For example, a St. Louis mom’s lips were torn apart by a friend’s dog. Charlie O’Dell was visiting a friend who owns a Labrador, who is usually very friendly. However, something triggered the dog, who jumped on her and bit on the left side of her lips. After the incident, she passed out and had stitches put in at a local hospital.
In this situation, the victim may sue the dog’s owner for bodily harm. She can look for a St. Louis personal injury lawyer or other large city law firm and find a reliable attorney who can help her with the case. This can get her appropriate compensation for her medical expenses.
Lack of Familiarity
Another factor contributing to the risk of dog bites is the lack of familiarity between postal workers and the dogs they encounter. Postal workers are not always aware of the temperament or behavior of each dog they encounter during their rounds.
Unlike residents who know their pets’ behavior and triggers, postal workers meet different dogs daily, each with its own unique disposition. This unfamiliarity can make it challenging to predict and manage potential aggressive reactions from dogs.
Inadequate Training and Awareness
Inadequate training and awareness about dog behavior can also contribute to the risk of dog bites for postal workers. While some postal services may offer general safety guidelines, detailed training on how to handle aggressive dogs is not always provided.
Postal workers may not receive specific instructions on how to recognize signs of aggression or how to react if confronted by a hostile dog. This lack of targeted training leaves workers less prepared to deal with potentially dangerous situations.
Preventive Measures
To mitigate the risk of dog bites, several preventive measures can be taken. Postal services can implement more comprehensive training programs that include education on recognizing and avoiding aggressive dogs. Ensuring that postal workers have clear guidelines on how to handle aggressive encounters can enhance their safety.
Another important factor in avoiding dog attacks is homeowner participation. Securing dogs within their property and keeping dogs restrained during mail delivery hours can significantly reduce the risk of incidents. Public awareness campaigns can help educate dog owners about the importance of controlling their pets and preventing them from approaching postal workers.
Dog training is also very important because, without it, even known dogs can bite someone. In fact, a Harvard article shows that around 88% of bites are from known dogs. Some tips given in this Harvard article include:
● It is always good to ask permission before petting a dog, even if it seems friendly.
● Before you pet the dog, be sure it has seen and sniffed you.
● Petting a dog who appears to be hiding, afraid, ill, or furious is not advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is most at risk for dog bites?
Injuries from dog bites are far more common in youngsters than in adults. Regular victims of dog bites include the elderly and home service workers like postal couriers and meter readers.
Why are dog bites so serious?
Beyond the skin, muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels can sustain injuries. The extent of the damage may be such that it impairs bodily functions. It’s not just a rip or hole that worries you, though. Bacteria lodge themselves in the tissue of bites, making them readily infected.
Do all dogs have rabies?
No, not every dog is a rabies carrier. An infected animal, usually a wild animal like a bat or raccoon, can spread the virus that causes rabies by bite, saliva, or scratching. Although it is uncommon, puppies can get rabies if they come into touch with an infected animal.
The risk of dog bites for postal workers is a serious concern that arises from a combination of various factors, as listed above. The likelihood of dog attacks can be decreased by being aware of these variables and putting sensible preventative measures in place. Additionally, it can contribute to a safer working environment for postal employees.
Author Bio
Micheal Stiven is a dedicated animal advocate with over 8 years of experience in pet care and training. He also holds certifications in canine and feline behavior & enrolled in the Shelter Dog Training CEP, Pet Nutrition CEP courses.