The job of a mail carrier may appeal to a lot of people for various reasons. Some of them may believe that mail carriers get to enjoy various perks of federal jobs without working much.

However, the truth is that the life of a postal worker isn’t as easy as it seems.

No doubt, mail carriers are paid well for their services, but they also face various challenges. Let’s take a look at the major threats for US postal workers and how they can carry out their duties in a safe way:

1.Weather Conditions

Post offices usually promote their service with a tagline saying that they will deliver no mail regardless of the extreme weather. But this effort to facilitate customers often backfires and creates various risks for mail carriers.

It’s not safe for mail carriers to work in bad weather. When it’s heavily raining outside, the roads must be slippery. It’s not safe to work under such circumstances for you may experience nasty falls.

Fortunately, there are laws in the US that protect the rights of postal service workers. You can refuse to work by filling out a report of hazard and submitting it to your supervisor.

2.Dog Bites

Dogs are the best friends of humans, but they create safety risks for people having postal jobs. While walking on a deserted route, stray dogs may attack mail carriers. The best way to stay safe from dog bites is to defend yourself with the help of the heavy mailbag or pick a big stone to shoo them away.

Always keep a pepper spray with you. It’ll help you deter dog attacks.

Aside from animal bites, mail carriers are also likely to suffer from insect bites. It’s best to use an insect repellent to stay safe and healthy.

3.Bone Spurs

The duties of a mail carrier involve walking miles to deliver mails. Although it’s a good exercise that can keep you fit, the long walks may also affect your health.

You may develop bone spurs that will make it difficult for you to walk. If you’re experiencing pain in your legs during working hours, you should wear a leg brace. This will reduce pain and protect you from injuries.

4.Back Strain

Even if you deliver mail via a USPS vehicle, you may experience back problems. You may need to lift heavy parcels to deliver them at a specified address.

When lifting such parcels, make sure you follow proper lifting techniques. Bend your knees and keep your back straight while picking the box. This will shift weight to your knees instead of your lower back and thereby, protect you from potential injuries.

5.Violent Activities

Mail carriers have to walk long routes and communicate with people to deliver mail. This makes them prone to experience violent behavior. If you feel threatened working in a particular area, you can report it to your supervisor and ask for police protection.

A postal service job can be a good career option. But it may also create certain safety risks. Make sure you’re aware of the threats awaiting you and take appropriate measures to carry out your duties in a safe way.