SafeWork SA has issued a precaution about dogs in the workplace after several people suffered serious bite injuries.

So far this year, SafeWork SA has received eight dog bite notifications – the same number that were received for the entire of 2023.

This year, an animal shelter worker was seriously injured after a dog lunged at them while returning to the kennel after a walk and a professional dog handler received multiple bite marks requiring surgery.  A dog catcher was badly injured attempting to attach a leash to a dog and a person attempting to separate fighting dogs received serious lacerations to their thumb. Both were admitted to hospital for surgery.

Two recent serious dog attack incidents, involving workers visiting private properties, highlights the risk of dog attacks while working at domestic premises.   A contractor required emergency surgery to a damaged tendon in the leg after being bitten by two dogs and another worker also required surgery for serious puncture wounds to both arms from a dog attack after entering a property without the owner present.

Dogs are present in many workplaces for various reasons, including service, emotional support or simply as pets. While dogs can provide comfort and assistance, they can also present risks if not properly managed. Dog bites can result in severe injuries, infection, and emotional distress.

Safety solutions

To minimise the risk of a dog bite, a person conducting a business or undertaking should provide information on recognising signs of aggression or stress in dogs to workers. They should train workers on how to look for signs of a dog before entry to a residential premises and how to safely interact with dogs.

They should also ensure:

• They have contacted the property owner/tenant before sending a worker to the premises to confirm the property is safe to enter
• Dogs are on a leash or in a designated area at all times
• Workers wear correct PPE, including long pants, long sleeves, and safety boots
• First aid equipment is available at the workplace
• Workers have adequate access to a person who has been trained to administer first aid.

Further information:

Pets at work (worksafe.tas.gov.au)