STEPHENVILLE, N.L. — Being laid up for about two months, undergoing physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment, was no fun for Colleen Fleming,
The letter carrier from Stephenville, experienced a fall on the job.
What hurts the most, though, is knowing a lot of fall incidents are preventable.
There are many little things customers can do to help, said Fleming.
That’s why employees of Canada Post are setting up a safety blitz booth in the Stephenville Mall this Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Our goal is to make people aware of the hazards of things like ice and snow, Christmas extension cords and dog leashes across steps,” she said.
Fleming said dog awareness is something else they want people to keep in mind. A local mail carrier was recently bitten by a dog, she noted.
She said mail carriers can’t go up snow-covered steps, so residents need to realize steps still needs to be cleared of ice and snow if their mailbox is located at a door not used regularly.
While letter carriers wear cleats on their footwear during winter, keeping driveways clear of ice and snow is a big help.
“If everything is cleared as much as it can be, it’s safer for us to get to the mailbox,” she said.
Fleming enjoys her work — even though she must be out in some crazy weather — and just wants to avoid another injury like the one she experienced about two years ago.
During the safety blitz, Canada Post employees will be handing out pamphlets, having giveaways and a prize draw.
Winter and dog safety tips:
• Clear snow and ice from driveways, walkways, stairs and around the mailbox.
• Use ice melter, de-icing salt or traction sand to provide a safe path.
• Keep stairs, handrails and mailbox free of obstructions and in good shape.
• Ensure items like extension cords, lights or decorations are not in the path to the mailbox.
• If the dog is inside, keep it away from the screen door, even if it is locked. Be careful when answering the door, so the dog does not slip out.
• If the dog is outside, keep it in a fenced yard or tied up far from the front door or mailbox.
• Keep front doors and fence gates closed.
Source: Canada Post
