AVOID-ing attacks
With the recently announced school closures now in effect across the country, colleagues on delivery must be aware of the increased risk of dog attacks that this may bring.
As so many children in dog-owning families are off due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it is highly likely that they may open the door without first considering the potential consequences of having a dog loose in the home.
Although many dog attack incidents are beyond our control, there are a few important things that can reduce the severity of the problem.
In order to reduce the risks of a dog attack, colleagues must remember to always follow the AVOID acronym principles:
A for AVOID
Avoid interaction with ALL dogs:
- NEVER pet or feed a dog
- NEVER enter a garden where the dog is present or assurance from a customer that ‘the dog is fine, it won’t bite’.
V for VALUE YOURSELF
Your safety is much more important than delivering an item of mail, so please:
- NEVER take any unnecessary risks
- ALWAYS shout out to the customer to restrain the dog before opening the door (parcel/signed for items)
- ALWAYS use your posting peg where a dog may be behind the letter box
- NEVER put your fingers through the letter box - even though you may know the customer does not have a dog, there may always be a visitor with a dog on the premises.
O for OBSERVE
- ‘OBSERVE’ hazards in your walk log, complete your hazard card.
I for INFORM
- INFORM your manager and colleagues of new hazards. Do you carry blank hazard cards with you on delivery so that you can note all details? If not, ask your manager to provide you with some.
D for DEFEND
- If required, defend yourself against a dog bite by using your delivery equipment, such as your pouch or trolley, to create a physical barrier between you and the dog. Most bites occur on the limbs, so wearing long trousers and sleeves can help protect from serious injury.
