Risks associated with each job vary depending on one's occupation. For individuals who work in a warehouse, injuries related to lifting or the equipment used to move the items can be common. People who work on a construction site face the risk of falling or having an object fall on them. For those who deliver the mail to residents of Pennsylvania, a work accident risk can be dog attacks.

A woman who was delivering mail was injured earlier this month when a pit bull attacked her. After getting out from its yard and charging the woman, the postal worker attempted to protect herself using a dog spray. The dog reportedly bit the woman several times including on her thigh, face, arms and chest. After the attack the woman was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Her injuries were characterized as "significant" by a police officer.

Since the accident the animal has been quarantined. Its owner is keeping it at his or her house while police continue to investigate the incident. He or she may face criminal charges.

While not a hazard in most professions, the risk of a dog attack is very real for anyone who makes a living by delivering items to the homes of others. As is the case with work injuries suffered by a fall or motor vehicle accident, depending on the employer of the injured party who has been hurt when bitten by an animal may be able to recoup benefits from his or her employer.

The owner of an animal could face consequences in the civil court as well. Only time will tell in this case.

Source: The Express-Times, "Dog attacks postal worker in Bethlehem, charges pending, police report," Sarah M. Wojcik, Oct. 11, 2012