Don't scream. Avoid eye contact. Don't run.
According to an Associated Press report, those are just a few tips offered by the U.S. Postal Service to avoid dog bites after more than 5,600 mail carriers were victims last year of dog attacks. The widespread problem cost the U.S. Postal Service nearly $1.2 million in medical expenses, the government reported recently. (WCxKit)
Houston and other warmer cities proved the most often locale of dog attacks, although letter carriers were bitten in more than 1,400 cities around the country. From an insurance standpoint, State Farm noted it paid $11 million in claims for dog bites in California in 2010, the most of any state.
The Postal Service released the numbers in advance of annual dog bite prevention week, which begins the week of May 16. Its goal is to try and reduce the number of dog attacks, both on mail carriers and in the general population. Last year, more than 4.7 million Americans were bitten, most of them children.
According to the Postal Service, the top cities for dog attacks after Houston are Columbus, Ohio; San Diego, Calif.; Los Angeles; Louisville, Ky.; San Antonio, Texas; St. Louis, Mo.; Cleveland; Phoenix; Minneapolis; Portland, Ore.; Denver; Philadelphia; Sacramento, Calif.; and Seattle.
My advise: carry pepper spray, dog biscuits and a big jug of water…
Note: IF a post employee is bitten, it's a FECA Claim, and Managed Care Advisors a firm which specializes in helped federal employes control their claims costs can be found in our directory if you need help with these claims
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact:Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
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