Certain jobs in Texas put workers at risk of suffering serious injuries in dog attacks. If you work in a position that places you near or around dogs, it is vital to know how to prevent dog bite injuries and what to do if it looks like a dog might attack. If you were injured in an attack, please speak with an experienced Houston dog bite attorney for legal guidance.
What Workers in Texas Are Most at Risk of Dog Bite Injuries on the Job?
According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 4.7 million people suffer dog bite injuries in the U.S. each year. Over 800,000 of these injuries require medical attention. While a harmful dog attack can happen anywhere in Texas, certain workers are at a higher risk than others due to the nature of their jobs.
This includes:
- Law enforcement officers
- Dog trainers and handlers
- Animal groomers
- Veterinarians
- Dog shelter employees
- Mail carriers
- City employees
- Military personnel
- Emergency service workers
- Utility workers
- Equipment installers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration keeps a database of reported incidents involving employees being bitten, mauled and killed by dogs while on duty. These incident reports document serious injuries such as lacerations, soft-tissue damage, amputations and fatalities.
Dog Bite Injury Prevention Tips in the Workplace
If your job puts you in close proximity to one or more dogs, it is critical to arm yourself with knowledge of dog behaviors, signs of aggression and what to do in the event of an attack. This information can prevent a serious dog attack or bite injury. Preparing for a potential incident could save your life.
Learn How to Read Canine Body Language
Dogs often give warning signs when they are feeling threatened, scared, protective or aggressive. Learning how to read the signs can tell you when you should change your own body language to try to diffuse the situation and prevent an attack.
Canine body language that can precede an attack includes:
- Stiff posture
- Widened eyes (whale eyes)
- Bared teeth
- Restlessness
- Growling or snarling
- Raised hackles
- Deep barking
- Ears pinned back
If it appears that a dog may lunge at you or try to bite, avoid a combative stance. Keep your arms loose and do not approach the dog. Tell the dog in a firm voice to “stay” or simply say “no.” Try to distract the dog by throwing treats or toys. If that doesn’t work, slowly back away from the dog until you get to a safe location.
Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
The worst thing you can do when faced with an aggressive dog on duty is to panic. Do not scream, turn your back to the dog or run away. Running can make the dog see you as prey, causing it to chase you. Do not reach out or try to touch the dog. Try to remain still and calm. Back away, putting objects between you and the dog, if possible. The dog should lose interest and leave you alone.
Attend Training Courses
Your employer may provide dog bite safety training programs or personal protective equipment to help you avoid injury if part of your job is regularly dealing with animals. This could include tools such as pepper spray or stun guns for self-defense in an emergency.
Even if your employer does not provide you with these things, take it upon yourself to get prevention training. Training sessions can help improve your safety and security when working around animals, including tips for how to handle a dog in an emergency situation.
Know Your Rights as a Victim of a Dog Attack at Work in Texas
Under Texas law, it may be possible to hold a pet owner or your employer financially responsible for your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering after an attack that occurs on duty. If you get bitten by a dog at work despite your best efforts to prevent it, contact a dog bite injury lawyer at Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys for a free legal consultation. We can help you understand your rights moving forward.