Many dog bites qualify as OSHA recordable injuries.
It's crucial to recognize that dog bites are typically OHSA recordable incidents, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to safeguard employees during customer visits. Implementing comprehensive training can significantly enhance workplace safety and reduce the adverse impacts of dog bite incidents on both employees and the company.
Comments (13)
You must protect all employees from all hazards! Section 5A is very clear!
If I were visiting a customer and got stung by a bee it could be an OSHA Recordable depending on the medical treatment I needed.
Can I protect an employee for ALL hazards, probably not. But the legal term "reasonable" comes into play. OSHA uses the word "Recognized". In the case of dog bites, if I was working in a Vet Clinic, a delivery person, garbage man, or post office employee I should include dog bites in my JSA and Hierarchy of Controls. Now if I was an doing a JSA on an airline pilot I might forget the dog bite as a hazard. However, recently I have seen an increase number of dogs on commercial airlines so I might want to revise my JSA.
I wonder what job gets the most dog bites. Maybe FedEx/UPS/Amazon/USPS?
This has been a long standing issue, where employees forget and lower their guard. We have to send out reminders to our Sales personnel and Service techs that just because someone says their dog doesn't bite, it always has the ability. I have had 2 employees have near misses with dog bites in the last 4 months.
If it has Teeth it has the ability to bite, Animal behavior sites can be a good training resource for getting a read on an unfamiliar pet.
Employees encounter numerous issues with dogs. Dogs often hide and ambush from behind, causing people to jump or flee. The dog might lack the bravery to stand and fight, but many can bite and flee.This might be the sole source of entertainment for a dog throughout the day. Considering their original roles like hunting, guarding, and herding, dogs can experience significant boredom. Employees can be great entertainment.