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September Safety Tip
Preventing Dog Bites at Work
Below are important reminders for employees who may encounter dogs while working in unfamiliar locations or on private property. Being alert to your surroundings and recognizing the signs that a dog may be present helps prevent incidents and keeps you safe on the job.
Be Alert on Unfamiliar Property
Most dog bite incidents happen when employees are on someone else’s property or in an unfamiliar environment. Upon arrival, encourage employees to look for signs that a dog may be present. This includes:
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Doghouses, animal tracks, or waste
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Warning signs posted on fences or gates
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Food or water bowls left outside
If there is evidence of a dog, employees should work with the property owner to have them safely restrain the dog before work begins.
Safety Tools & Practices
An employee should work with their agency to determine what safety tools are available and approved to use. Some items may include:
Items like pepper spray or batons are not appropriate to use.
If a Dog Bite Occurs
If an employee is bitten by a dog:
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If the skin is broken, wash the area thoroughly.
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Seek medical treatment, especially if vaccination records are unavailable.
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Notify their supervisor within 24 hours.
For additional guidance, visit Weekly Safety’s article on Dog Bite Prevention.
WCMB is here to help you and your team establish safety precautions for properties with a dog on site. Contact us at WCMB@mt.gov.
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