Dogs bite over 300 package deliverers in the Netherlands per year
Dogs’ traditional hatred of postal workers translates well to package deliverers, NOS reports after surveying the big players in the market. They report over 300 dog bites per year. That is an average of six delivery workers bitten a week. At DHL, dog bites are even the most common workplace accident.
The broadcaster spoke to PostNL, DHL, and DPD. All three reported an increase in dog bites among delivery personnel. Last year, DHL recorded 109 dog bites, compared to 62 the year before. PostNL recorded around 200.
DHL HR director Maartje Vos attributes the increase to the growth in online shopping and the “dog boom” during the coronavirus pandemic. “Many more people got a dog, but not everyone trained them properly,” she told NOS. “Dog bites have been our number one workplace accident for two years now.”
Most DHL delivery workers escaped the dog with minor injuries, but several required plastic surgery and extended absences. “Last year, nearly 30 delivery personnel were out of work for extended periods; this year 12,” Vos said. Some were bitten in the face, one had a dog bite a chunk out of his arm. “It can be truly dramatic. We arrange victim support for these people, or they can contact our confidential counselor.”
The companies are focusing on prevention. Delivery staff receive training in dog handling. PostNL warns staff of homes with aggressive dogs and DHL will soon start doing the same. The companies are also equipping delivery workers with safety shoes that are so sturdy that most dogs can’t bite through them.
They are also trying to raise awareness among dog owners. According to Vos, many don’t realize how dangerous their dog can be. The DHL app prominently displays the number of delivery drivers bitten this year and asks people to keep their dog behind closed doors when a delivery worker rings the bell. PostNL makes the same request in its newsletters and will soon start a new campaign targeting dog owners.
The delivery companies are also considering no longer delivering to homes with biting dogs. Their owners will have to pick up their packages at collection points.
