Dog bites are a common professional hazard for postmen and women and parcel delivery staff, with 300 incidents a year and an average of over six bites a week, broadcaster NOS reported on Wednesday.

PostNL told the broadcaster the total number of dog bites suffered by its staff is stable at around 200 a year, but that attacks on package delivery staff are going up. DPD clocked up five attacks so far this year, while DHL reported 66.

DHL personnel manager Maartje Vos said the increase is due to the rise in “coronavirus dogs”. “Many people got a dog but a lot of them had no idea about training,” she said.

Companies help workers overcome the trauma of a bite by organising victim support and also offer training on how to handle dogs and when to hand out dog biscuits.

PostNL also informs workers about the presence of aggressive dogs, and staff are  issued with bite proof gear, such as sturdy shoes.

The most important way of preventing bites is to raise awareness among dog owners, Vos said. DHL has put a request on their site for dog owners to lock their dog up when a package is being delivered, and keeps a tally of the number of staff who have been bitten.

Owners of aggressive dogs that have been involved in an incident are told they will have to pick up their package elsewhere.

PostNL is planning a new campaign aimed at dog owners in the autumn, the company said.

The government is currently working on a register of incidents of dogs biting people or other dogs, so local councils can intervene when necessary.