More than five postal workers are being hit by cars every single week on Australian roads, and the numbers are getting worse. Behind every statistic is someone's neighbour, someone's family member—the friendly postie who waves as they deliver your pension payments and parcels.
Australia Post has revealed that more than 280 postal workers sustained injuries from third-party traffic accidents in the past year, with a concerning 30 per cent increase in injuries caused by other drivers.
These aren't minor bumps and scrapes—we're talking about broken limbs, concussions, lacerations and serious psychological trauma that can last long after physical wounds heal.
The footage released by Australia Post this week makes for difficult viewing, showing collision after collision where drivers failed to give way at roundabouts, cut corners dangerously, or were simply not paying attention while posties went about their daily work.
Australia's most dangerous workplaces revealed
What many people don't realise is that the transport, postal and warehousing industry has the second-highest workplace fatality rate in Australia, with 9.5 deaths per 100,000 workers - trailing only agriculture and fishing.
Vehicle incidents represent 42 per cent of all workplace fatalities across Australian industries, making our roads one of the deadliest workplaces in the country.
In 2023 alone, transport, postal and warehousing workers accounted for 26 per cent of all workplace fatalities—51 deaths - yet these are the very people we depend on to keep our communities connected.
Russell Munro, Australia Post's general manager of safety, puts it bluntly: 'There has been a 30 per cent increase in injuries from a third-party on the road—most of which are caused by drivers who aren't paying attention behind the wheel.
These injuries are not all minor either—posties can experience broken limbs, concussions and other serious injuries that cause bodily and psychological harm'.
'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'
The usual suspects: what's causing these crashes
The patterns emerging from Australia Post's crash data paint a troubling picture of modern driving behaviour.
Drivers are failing to give way at roundabouts and intersections, overtaking dangerously, cutting corners, and perhaps most concerning of all, driving while distracted by mobile phones.
Even posties on foot aren't safe, with Australia Post recording a rise in incidents involving scooters and bikes on footpaths where postal workers are trying to make deliveries.
The timing couldn't be worse. As we head into the Christmas delivery season, Australia Post has hired 3,500 additional contract workers to cope with the increased parcels and letters.
That means more postal workers on our roads than ever before, right when traffic volumes are at their peak.
Fighting back with electric innovation
Australia Post isn't sitting idle. The organisation is midway through a major transformation that's putting safety at the centre of everything they do.
Australia Post now has more than 5,000 two- and three-wheel electric delivery vehicles buzzing around Australia, replacing the traditional Honda motorcycles that have been a familiar sight for decades.
These aren't just about being environmentally friendly—though they do cover 15 million kilometres each year without using a drop of petrol.
The new electric delivery vehicles (eDVs) are packed with safety features that could be lifesavers.
Electric Delivery Vehicle Safety Features
Multi-directional cameras for better visibility
GPS navigation and telematics systems
Emergency duress button for postal workers
Semi-enclosed design for weather protection
Enhanced stability with lower centre of gravity
LED lighting systems for better visibility
Reflective red side panels
The eDVs offer a safer, more comfortable way for postal workers to deliver mail and they carry three times more freight, with a capacity of 1,200 letters and 100 small parcels. This means fewer trips back to the depot, reducing exposure to traffic dangers.
Andrew Eagers, a postie who's made the transition to electric vehicles, sums up the difference perfectly: 'Having a roof over my head from the rain and direct sunlight is great. I also love the conversations it sparks with my customers'.
But even the most advanced safety technology can't protect against inattentive or aggressive driving.
What this means for your neighbourhood
As Christmas approaches and parcel deliveries surge, you're likely to see more postal workers in your area than usual. The newest electric motorbikes can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h, expanding delivery capabilities to routes that were previously challenging, meaning posties might be operating in areas where you haven't seen them before.
The increase in delivery activity comes at a time when road deaths are trending upward, with the rate increasing by 3 per cent per year since 2020. Every additional vehicle interaction creates potential risk.
Simple ways to keep posties safe
- Slow down in residential areas, especially around schools and shopping centres
- Give postal vehicles extra space at roundabouts and intersections
- Look twice before backing out of driveways—toot your horn first
- Put your phone away completely when driving
- Be patient if a postal worker is blocking access briefly—they're working quickly
- Watch for postal workers on foot, especially in unit complexes and shopping areas
Your role in keeping workers safe
The message from Australia Post is clear: road safety is a shared responsibility. For many older Australians, postal workers provide a vital connection to the community—delivering not just letters and parcels, but often serving as an informal check on vulnerable residents.
Here's what you can do to help protect these essential workers:
Before you drive: Take a moment to remember that every trip will likely involve sharing the road with delivery workers. With around 1,200 people killed and 40,000 seriously injured on Australian roads each year [14], we all have a role to play in making our streets safer.
In residential areas: Postal workers often need to stop suddenly or make quick turns to access driveways and unit blocks. Maintaining a safe following distance gives everyone more time to react.
At roundabouts and intersections: These are the danger zones where many postal worker injuries occur. Take extra time to check for delivery vehicles before proceeding.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Australia Post's electric delivery vehicles are so quiet that they're helping reduce noise pollution in residential areas, but this also means drivers need to be more visually aware since they can't rely on engine noise to alert them to nearby vehicles.
The road ahead
Australia Post's electric vehicle rollout represents more than just environmental progress—it's a comprehensive safety upgrade that's already showing results.
The company reports that when posties are involved in accidents while operating electric delivery vehicles, the severity of injuries is reduced, with some workers walking away with only minor injuries.
The Communication Workers Union is backing Australia Post's safety campaign, recognising that protecting postal workers requires both better equipment and better awareness from the driving public.
Australia is working towards zero deaths and serious injuries on roads by 2050 - an ambitious goal that will require every road user to play their part.
What This Means For You
As we head into the busy Christmas period, spare a thought for the postal workers who'll be working overtime to make sure your gifts and cards arrive on time. They're doing their job with better equipment and training than ever before—now it's up to the rest of us to do our part to bring them home safely each day.
What changes will you make to your driving to help protect postal workers in your area? Share your thoughts and any near-miss experiences you've witnessed—your stories could help raise awareness and prevent future injuries.
Original Article
https://www.theguardian.com/austral...osties-hit-by-cars-urges-drivers-keep-eye-out
New data fails to deliver on safety for Posties—Australian Seniors News
Cited text: Australia Post has today released alarming new data showing Posties are injured by a third-party on the roads at least five times a week.1 In the past...
Excerpt: Australia Post has revealed that more than 280 postal workers sustained injuries from third-party traffic accidents in the past year, with a concerning 30 per cent increase in injuries caused by other drivers
https://australianseniorsnews.com.au/news/new-data-fails-to-deliver-on-safety-for-posties/
Australia Post campaign to protect Posties on the road fully backed by Union—Communication Workers Union | CWU Central Branch NSW, ACT, QLD, SA, NT
Cited text: Australians are being urged to help keep our posties safe on the roads, with new statistics released by Australia Post revealing there’s been a 30 per...
Excerpt: Australia Post has revealed that more than 280 postal workers sustained injuries from third-party traffic accidents in the past year, with a concerning 30 per cent increase in injuries caused by other drivers
https://cwucentral.org.au/2024/10/a...ct-posties-on-the-road-fully-backed-by-union/
Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia, 2023 | dataswa
Cited text: The Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry recorded the highest fatality rate (14.7 fatalities per 100,000 workers), followed by the Transport, po...
Excerpt: the transport, postal and warehousing industry has the second-highest workplace fatality rate in Australia, with 9.5 deaths per 100,000 workers
https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/insights/key-whs-stats-2023
Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024 | LDN
Cited text: These industries have consistently high fatality rates, and vehicle incidents remain the leading cause of deaths across all sectors, representing 42 per cent ...
Excerpt: Vehicle incidents represent 42 per cent of all workplace fatalities across Australian industries
https://ldn.com.au/safe-work-key-whs-statistics-australia-2024/
Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024 | dataswa
Cited text: Transport, postal and warehousing fatalities accounted for 26 per cent (51 fatalities), followed by fatalities in the Construction industry (23 per cent; 45 fatalitie...
Excerpt: In 2023 alone, transport, postal and warehousing workers accounted for 26 per cent of all workplace fatalities—51 deaths
https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/insights/key-whs-statistics-australia/latest-release
Australia Post campaign to protect Posties on the road fully backed by Union—Communication Workers Union | CWU Central Branch NSW, ACT, QLD, SA, NT
Cited text: “There has been a 30 per cent increase in injuries from a third-party on the road—most of which are caused by drivers who aren’t paying attention behind the...
Excerpt: 'There has been a 30 per cent increase in injuries from a third-party on the road—most of which are caused by drivers who aren't paying attention behind the wheel.
https://cwucentral.org.au/2024/10/a...ct-posties-on-the-road-fully-backed-by-union/
Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024 | dataswa
Cited text: In 2023, 62 per cent of worker fatalities occurred in 3 industries.
Excerpt: Australia Post has hired 3,500 additional contract workers
https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/insights/key-whs-statistics-australia/latest-release
“Glad to be part of the change”: How Andrew Eagers champions sustainability at work and in life—Australia Post
Cited text: Australia Post now has more than 5,000 two- and three-wheel eDVs buzzing around Australia.
Excerpt: Australia Post now has more than 5,000 two- and three-wheel electric delivery vehicles buzzing around Australia
https://auspost.com.au/community-hub/inspiring-people/andrew-eagers-electric-delivery-vehicles
“Glad to be part of the change”: How Andrew Eagers champions sustainability at work and in life—Australia Post
Cited text: Our eDVs and electric bikes cover 15 million kilometres each year—that’s more than once around the earth every day—without using a drop of petrol.
Excerpt: they do cover 15 million kilometres each year without using a drop of petrol
https://auspost.com.au/community-hub/inspiring-people/andrew-eagers-electric-delivery-vehicles
Australia Post switches to Electric Vehicles | Whyalla Veterinary Clinic
Cited text: The eDVs offer a safer, more comfortable way for postal workers to deliver the mail and they carry three times more freight, with a capacity of 1200 l...
Excerpt: The eDVs offer a safer, more comfortable way for postal workers to deliver mail and they carry three times more freight, with a capacity of 1,200 letters and 100 small parcels
https://www.whyallavet.com.au/australia-post-switches-to-electric-vehicles/
“Glad to be part of the change”: How Andrew Eagers champions sustainability at work and in life—Australia Post
Cited text: And having a roof over my head from the rain and direct sunlight is great. I also love the conversations it sparks with my customers.
Excerpt: 'Having a roof over my head from the rain and direct sunlight is great. I also love the conversations it sparks with my customers'
https://auspost.com.au/community-hub/inspiring-people/andrew-eagers-electric-delivery-vehicles
Australia Post electrifying last-mile delivery—Fully Loaded
Cited text: Their ability to reach speeds of up to 80 km/h has expanded the ability to electrify routes that were previously challenging for the existing fleet of...
Excerpt: The newest electric motorbikes can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h, expanding delivery capabilities to routes that were previously challenging
https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/australia-post-electrifying-last-mile-delivery/
Annual trauma | National Road Safety Data Hub
Cited text: The rate of annual deaths per 100,000 population declined over the five years to 2020 (4.28) but since then the rate has increased by 3 per cent per year, rea...
Excerpt: road deaths are trending upward, with the rate increasing by 3 per cent per year since 2020
https://datahub.roadsafety.gov.au/progress-reporting/annual-trauma
National Road Safety Strategy
Cited text: Around 1,200 people are killed each year on Australia’s roads and about 40,000 are seriously injured.
Excerpt: With around 1,200 people killed and 40,000 seriously injured on Australian roads each year
https://www.roadsafety.gov.au/
Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024 | dataswa
Cited text: This was followed by worker deaths in the Arts and recreation services, Mining, and Transport, postal and warehousing industries, with 10 per cent (3) worker ...
Excerpt: The company reports that when posties are involved in accidents while operating electric delivery vehicles, the severity of injuries is reduced, with some workers walking away with only minor injuries
https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/insights/key-whs-statistics-australia/latest-release
National Road Safety Strategy
Cited text: Australia is working towards the goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 2050 (Vision Zero).
Excerpt: Australia is working towards zero deaths and serious injuries on roads by 2050
https://www.roadsafety.gov.au/
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