Dog bites a constant hazard for delivery drivers

Aggressive dog behavior is an occupational hazard faced by many delivery drivers. Last year, more than 5,300 U.S. Postal Service (USPS) workers were attacked by dogs while making deliveries. To spread awareness, the USPS annual National Dog Bite Awareness Week provides information that employers can share to help keep workers safe on their routes.

Delivery drivers should be trained to carefully observe areas where dogs may be present. Workers should:

• Not startle a dog;
• Keep their eyes on any dog and assume it will bite;
• Make noise to alert dogs that they are entering a yard;
• Block an outward swinging door with their foot to prevent a dog from escaping.

If a dog attacks, workers should stand their ground and protect their body by placing something between them and the dog — such as a mail satchel — and use dog repellent, if necessary.

The top three states for dog bites in 2022 were California, Texas, and New York.