12:11 pm, Wednesday 28 October, 2009

Statistics show that postmen figure in almost 4000 injuries each year. This number reveals that being a postman is one of the countryÂ’s most dangerous occupations in the country.

The most common causes of injuries are Motorcycle And Bike Accidents. These are followed by dog bites, torn muscles, twisted ankles, wasp stings, chafing and Stress.

In one incident a postieÂ’s foot was trapped under a car tyre, while another worker needed knee reconstruction when he tripped after being attacked by a dog. In yet another case, a car reversed into a mailmanÂ’s delivery bike he was riding. Because of the incident the said worker broke his neck, his shoulder and both of his wrists.

Postmen are vulnerable not only to injuries, but also to death. In 2007 a Victorian postman was doing his rounds when the motorcycle he was riding was hit by a semi-trailer truck. He was killed on the spot.

A representative of the Communication Workers Union alleges that the alarming figures show that something is seriously wrong with Australia postÂ’s system. The union alleges its injured members are being sent back to work too early, as more than 80 per cent of injured mailmen were still suffering pain while back on the job.

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