As part of Post’s Serious Injury and Fatality program of work in 2018, the risk of attack by animal exposure was one of the highest across the business.
Representations made by Branch Secretary Shane Murphy at a One Network Trial safety meeting have led to Australia Post considering further initiatives to mitigate against Posties’ exposure to dog attacks.
During the next two months, an ultrasonic dog repellent trial will be held at Ingleburn Delivery Facility as part of a One Network Trial safety initiative.
Delivery rounds to participate in the trial will be selected based on data obtained in December that identifies households with dogs within delivery catchments that have been recorded on a register including the breed of dog and a history of previous incidents.
Over the trial period, posties on identified rounds will have the opportunity to rotate their use of six different ultrasonic devices for one week at a time with the opportunity for posties on those rounds to provide their feedback on each device at the end of each week.
Branch Secretary Shane Murphy welcomed the initiative.
“As part of their job, posties are exposed to all sorts of risks to their health and safety.
“But animal attacks, in particular, continues to rear its head and top the charts.
“This is something your Union has pushed hard for and I’d encourage all posties on the identified trial runs at Ingleburn to get fully involved in evaluating these devices which could prove to literally be a life saver.”
Shane added that the trial wouldn’t replace existing processes in place to mitigate against exposure.
“Those posties trialling devices should continue to make sound judgements on whether delivery to certain households presents unacceptable risks.
“Management have given us a commitment that this trial will not replace the existing process to issue letters to households identified as an exposure to animal attack risks.
“Should the devices prove to be successful, we will be seeking for Australia Post to extend the trial across the wider network.”
Should you require any further information or advice, please contact Branch Assistant Secretary Peter Chaloner or Branch Officials Gil Enzon, Elly Huttly, Phil Kessey, TK Ly, Peter O’Connell, James Perkins or Dennis Williams on (02) 9893 7822.
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