Ottawa - Canada Post has launched its 2008 Dog Awareness Campaign to alert dog owners to the dangers delivery personnel are exposed to on a daily basis. This year's slogan is "When in doubt, get out".
"Injuries due to dog attacks and bites are a reality and cause serious harm to employees every year", said Claude Bujold, General Manager, Workplace Health and Safety for Canada Post. "In 2007 there were over 500 dog related incidents involving Canada Post employees."
Canada Post delivery employees are exposed to an increased potential of dog attacks as soon as the warmer months arrive and there is an increase in the number of pets outside. Recovery from a severe dog bite can take months or years, and in some cases, a letter carrier can be left with permanent scarring both physically and emotionally.
Canada Post is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment by developing and implementing measures to minimize risk to the personal health and safety of its employees and seeks the co-operation of dog owners and homeowners to ensure their property is safe for Canada Post delivery employees.
Canada Post has entered into a partnership with both the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association to help raise awareness of the importance of dog bite prevention with the general public. When people visit a participating humane society or shelter, adopt a dog, or visit one of the 3,000 participating veterinary clinics, they will be given an information piece that promotes responsible dog ownership.
"Customers have a responsibility to reduce the risk to our employees by properly restraining their dogs. All dogs should be kept on a leash, in a fenced-in yard, or in the home during delivery hours. Keeping dogs and delivery people apart makes everyone, including the dog, safe and secure", said Mr. Bujold.
