Keeping Postal Service Workers Safe During the Holidays
Postal services are at peak business over the holidays, but that means worker risk for postal service men and women are also high. Here are a few simple things you can do to keep mail carriers and USPS drivers safe.
The holiday season is near—and that means so is inclement weather, holiday shopping, and busy mailrooms and delivery services. We don’t always think about it, but US Postal Service (USPS) workers are not only up against holiday demands and consumer spikes. They’re also battling bad roads, icy sidewalks, and pets.
The USPS outlines a few simple ways you can help keep postal service men and women stay safe during the holidays.
At the home, make sure snow and ice is shoveled or salted to avoid falls, slips, and trips. Sidewalks can be dangerous territory for anyone, especially those carrying heavy weight. Clear any ice buildup from on top or around your mailbox, too.
For those in warmer climates, snow and ice is not an issue. But, make sure to clear your yard and walkway of yard trimmings, toys, or other items that might be a tripping hazard and cause injury. Again, mail carriers may have their hands full of packages and could miss seeing these items.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and sometimes we can take it for granted,” said USPS Safety Director Linda DeCarlo. “Just taking a few extra minutes every day, to look around for hazards in your home or workplace, or learning proper pet ownership, can reduce injuries.”
Oh yes—pets. You might be surprised at the number of times mail carriers or postal service men or women have a negative experience with animals every year.
Nearly 6,000 postal employees and a staggering 4.5 million Americans were attacked by dogs last year. Here are a few tips on keeping you, your carrier, and your dog safe during the holidays and year-round from National Dog Bite Prevention Week:
- If a carrier delivers mail or packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. Some dogs burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to attack visitors. Dog owners should keep the family pet secured.
- Parents should remind their children and other family members not to take mail directly from carriers in the presence of the family pet, as the dog may view the person handing mail to a family member as a threatening gesture.
- The Postal Service places the safety of its employees as a top priority. If a carrier feels threatened by a dog, or if a dog is loose or unleashed, the owner may be asked to pick up mail at a Post Office until the carrier is assured the pet has been restrained. If a dog is roaming the neighborhood, the pet owner’s neighbors also may be asked to pick up their mail at the area’s Post Office.
So next time you’re adding gifts to your Amazon cart or tracking your Prime delivery, think about the men and women who are delivering those packages against the elements: weather, sidewalks, and pets alike.
For other holiday news and information, visit the USPS Newsroom.