Dogs Maul Royal Mail Postman, CWU Calls for Action
A Royal Mail postman was mauled by two ferocious Japanese Akita dogs in Glasgow recently when he was delivering mail to a house. The Communication Workers Union has strongly asked the Scottish government to devise stricter laws against dogs and their owners following this incident.
The incident happened when 30-year-old Thomas McGrath was walking on a garden pathway towards a house where he was supposed to deliver mail. Two dogs that were at the back of the house escaped through an unprotected area in the fence and launched a ferocious attack on him.
The postman was taken to Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary where he underwent surgery on his wrist and hand, and is recovering from serious injuries to his face, back and arms. The authorities executed the dogs after news of the incident reached them and the matter is now under investigation by Strathclyde Police.
According to the CWU, in such incidents, dog owners usually get away without any punishment, as they are not liable if the incident takes place on their private property.
David Joyce, CWU national health and safety officer, said that postal employees fall victims to around 6,000 dog attacks each year and often get seriously injured . However, the government does not offer much respite as the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act does not sufficiently deal with the subject or provide a solution in case of attacks on private property.
It remains that employers have a duty towards ensuring health and safety of the workers; an IOSH course can be of benefit to organisations in providing the knowledge to manage safely and effectively in compliance with both the organisation’s policy and best practice in health and safety and it can also be tailored to meet the needs of any particular organisation – click on IOSH UK for more detail.
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