Injury spike prompts Australia Post action

Australia Post reported postal workers were injured by a third party on the road at least five times a week in the last financial year.

More than 280 postal workers sustained injuries in the reported period with accidents ranging from broken limbs and concussions to lacerations and serious trauma.

Many of these incidents resulted in hospital treatment, time off work and ongoing psychological trauma.

Some of the most common third-party accidents involving posties in the past year included third parties:

• failing to give way at intersections and roundabouts;
• not leaving enough space to stop safely;
• cutting corners;
• overtaking on the wrong side of the road;
• driving distracted while using a mobile phone;
• and not looking on footpaths when using scooters and bikes.

Australia Post General Manager Safety, Russell Munro, said the numbers were deeply concerning and highlight the shared responsibility for safer roads.

“Every day, our team members are out in communities delivering for Australians, but increasingly, they’re also being put at risk by unsafe driver behaviour,” said Munro.

“We are taking comprehensive measures, such as reducing our motorcycle fleet, expanding the deployment of electric delivery vehicles (eDVs), and implementing upgraded telematics systems – including video and data monitoring across thousands of vehicles.

“Our data shows that the severity of injury to a postie when involved in a motor accident is reduced when operating an eDV.

“In some instances, our team have walked away from the accident with only minor injuries.

“Our priority is to deliver for all Australians whilst ensuring the safety of our team members, so they return home to their families safely each day. However, road safety is a shared responsibility, and we urge all drivers to keep an eye out for our posties.”

Australia Post shared the following road safety tips:

• Put your mobile phone out of reach when driving.
• Slow down when approaching roundabouts.
• Use your mirrors and check your blind spots for motorcycles and cyclists before turning or
  changing lanes.
• When reversing out of your driveway, toot your horn and move slowly.
• Keep your distance. Leave a large enough gap to the car in front of you so you can stop safely.
• Do not drive when drowsy.
• Do not drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

In other news, Australia Post has a finalist in an upcoming national trucking industry award.