Campaign to tackle postie dog bite incidents

A new campaign has been launched by Guernsey's postal service in a bid to reduce the number of dog bite incidents on its postal workers.

Guernsey Post said staff experienced two bite incidents each month on average, many of which could have been "avoidable".

The initiative - Protect Our Posties. Protect Your Pets - has urged islanders to secure dogs before opening the door to collect their deliveries.

Shelley Carberry, the service's health and safety manager, said there was "17 injury accidents over the last year" and "54 near misses", which were the same figures as the year before, and the campaign was about "raising awareness and asking for a small action that makes a big difference".

Carberry said: "We know how much people love their dogs, we do too. But even the most well-behaved pet can act unpredictably when someone approaches the door.

"The reality is that a dog bite can mean a colleague ends up in A&E receiving treatment."

Guernsey Post said every household would receive a leaflet through the door, as well as sharing a promotional video on social media, as part of the campaign.

It said "by securing dogs before answering the door, customers can help keep our posties safe while also protecting their pets from harm or distress".

"A small change in routine can prevent a painful incident, helping ensure that every delivery remains a positive and safe interaction," it added.

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