It’s not something that we usually consider when we apply for a new job, but there are many people in jobs across the country who may have to deal with dogs, some of whom may be aggressive, as part of their daily duties. It is an Occupational Hazard for many people, and is therefore, a Health and Safety concern.

In the UK, Dangerous Dogs are classified. Under Irish Legislation there are 13 “Restricted Breeds” of dog, including:

1. Dobermann Pincher
2. Rottweiler
3. Japanese Akita
4. German Shepherd (Alsatian)
5. Pit Bull Terrier
6. Bulldog
7. Bull Mastiff
8. Japanese Tosa
9. English Bull Terrier
10. American Pit Bull Terrier
11. Rhodesian Ridgeback
12. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
13. Ban-Dog

In 1994, in Queensland, Australia, the results of a small survey on the subject of dog attacks and Occupational Health & Safety was published. Safety officers from ten private and public sector businesses from Southeast Queensland were interviewed. The businesses were chosen because they were likely to have employees who were attacked by dogs. All reported dog attack incidents but only 40% provided bite avoidance training or protective equipment or clothing; only 20% had made provision for dog bite injuries in their safety planning.

One business (a city council) recorded six workers compensation claims per year from dog attacks. However it had made no provision for safety planning, protective equipment or clothing, or safety training to reduce the compensation figure. This kind of approach doesn’t appear to fit with the basic philosophy of Occupational Health & Safety.

For many companies who require their employees to deal with animals, who in the main are present as a security measure, this is an issue that may not be receiving adequate training in order to avoid bites and attacks.

It would be virtually impossible to describe what action will be effective for every potential dangerous dog situation. Training using a book or in a classroom will achieve about 50% competence. The rest of the learning can only be achieved by some hands-on practice under the guidance of an experienced dog handler or trainer.

There are two ways to get the practice:

1. Traineeship (instruction, assistance and confidence building)
2. Cold turkey (There you go! Good luck! And a pat on the back)

In Health & Safety terms, the latter of these approaches is unacceptable. And yet this is what most employers do.
Anyone who has ever to deal hands-on with someone else’s dog has a difficult task. They must understand instinctively what the risk factors mean when they are all presented at once. There are some strong indicators in a dog’s body language that will usually precede an attack that you can learn to identify. The following is an example of what they may be:

• A raised, stiff tail that appears to be waving, as opposed to wagging
• Hair (hackles) raised on the back of the neck
• A very high pitched growl with bared teeth
• A snap. It is important to note that a snap is not the same as a bite. A snap is just that, it’s a warning.

To control the situation, you must adjust your thinking; it is about thinking from the dog’s perspective. If you look confident and capable but non-threatening and non-challenging even a dominant dog will think twice before taking you on. Avoid prolonged eye contact. How you walk, the manner of your speech, where you look, what you wear, what you carry and how your back is protected can all be practiced to convey the right message. It is good practice to check out the situation before going in e.g. check out the sturdiness and height of the fence, and look for a safe exit path.

The best way to reduce the potential for a bite is to be familiar with the animals that you deal with, or that your staff deal with on a daily basis. Where the dogs are in your possession or on your premises, ensure they receive adequate veterinary attention as there may be a medical explanation for any aggression. Learn how to identify, and if possible, diffuse tense situations, a distraction can be very effective, but most importantly, learn to recognise when a situation may be out of your control and when external assistance may be required.