Postmen trained for dog attacks

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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Two postmen a week in Northern Ireland are attacked by dogs according to Royal Mail, who are now training their staff to deal with making deliveries to pet owning households.

Last year there were 104 incidents reported, many of them resulting in serious injuries that had to be treated with stitches. Over a third of these attacks were caused by dogs.

The company says incidents peak during the summer months, when more children and parents are at home and pets are allowed into the garden without restraints.

In a bid to reduce the number of attacks occurring this year, Royal Mail has started training postal staff to better handle angry pets.

Tom O'Kane, safety director at the group said: "Training is given to postmen on what signs to look for, on being alert to the presence of dogs and assessing whether they are aggressive or friendly, as not all dogs will attack.

"Advice is also given on how to protect themselves should their be an attack - slowly backing off, no sudden movements, using cover available to protect themselves and putting their bag between them and the dog."

He continued: "Incidents occur all across the province and no one area is any worse than the other.

"Last year in Northern Ireland there were over 100 reported instances where our employees suffered a dog attack and early indications for this year would suggest similar results, unless we can do something differently.

"Injuries vary from nips on the ankles to broken arms and deep gashes to legs.

"Some of the more serious ones needed stitches and tetanus injections and all are very frightening experiences for our delivery postmen and women."

Dog owners are also being advised to do their bit by keeping pets indoors when postmen visit, or to ensure there is a clear and safe passage to the letterbox if the animal is allowed into the garden.

They are also being warned that even the most lovable dog can pose a potential risk to postal staff.

Mr O'Kane added: "While we appreciate that not all dogs are dangerous, even the most placid dog can become very protective of its owners or territory and, surprisingly, we have seen an increase in the number of attacks where the owner is present.

"Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers."

© UTV News

[worktotime]

how can you have somebody trying to train postman on dog habits we arnt all dog whisperers , my method is any dog loose dont deliver mail , it is not worth the risk.

[DGP1]

I see Mr O'Kane has a new job, wait it's the same job he always had - fudging figures and BSing to the media, in my office we don't have the time for these 'stating the obvious' DVDs and TBH the 4 dog attacks that I've had this year I've forgotten to report (because mainly that I'd have to spend an hour filling in the form and then it's up to me to report it to the council which is another hour and all for the manager to do nothing about it).