Sheffield posties suffered the 3rd greatest variety of dog attacks in the nation over the in 2015, shock brand-new figures reveal.
Workers suffered 50 attacks, continuing a record of shame which has actually seen the S (Sheffield) postcode location appear in the leading 10 every year considering that 2013 – consisting of preceding 3 times.
Royal Mail says there were 1,916 dog attacks on staff nationally in 2015, approximately 37 a week – with some resulting in long-term and disabling injuries. Staff had an overall of 3,014 days of lack in 2022/23 with the longest duration being 139 days.
The figures have actually been launched at the start of the 11th yearly Dog Awareness Week which ranges from July 3-9 and motivates accountable dog ownership.
The organisation is attracting dog owners to guarantee they comprehend the often-devastating effect of dog attacks on postmen and postwomen and take correct procedures to guarantee their animals present no risk to postal employees through accountable dog ownership.
Lizz Lloyd, health & safety director, Royal Mail, said: “We are concerned to see attacks on our staff have increased this year. We know the number of attacks rises during the school holidays and in the summer months when parents and children are at home and dogs are sometimes allowed unsupervised in the garden or out onto the streets without restraints. So, while we want our customers to enjoy being outside with their pets, we also want to ask them to consider the danger unsupervised dogs pose to our colleagues.”
Dave Joyce, nationwide health & safety officer, Communication Workers’ Union, included: “The key objective of Dog Awareness Week is primarily to remind the public to be aware of their legal and moral responsibilities to control their dogs and prevent dog attacks on postal workers who are providing them with a great public service. The public need to be aware that if their dog attacks a postal worker, they can be prosecuted
either by the police, local authority or by Royal Mail via a private prosecution.”
If it’s not practical for you to keep your dog away the postie providing mail, think about fitting a secure mail box on the edge of your property, he included.
