RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Amazon faces fines of more than $60,000 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for worker safety violations at three warehouse facilities.
None of the warehouses operated by Amazon in North Carolina are on the list. Workers at several Amazon facilities, including Garner, are seeking union representation.
OSHA said the internet giant was cited for “failing to keep workers safe” at warehouses in Deltona, Florida; Waukegan, Illinois; and New Windsor, New York.
In a statement, Amazon said it plans to appeal the OSHA decision.
“We take the safety and health of our employees very seriously, and we strongly disagree with these allegations and intend to appeal. We’ve cooperated fully, and the government’s allegations don’t reflect the reality of safety at our sites,” an Amazon spokesperson tells WRAL TechWire.
“Over the last several months we’ve demonstrated the extent to which we work every day to mitigate risk and protect our people, and our publicly available data show we’ve reduced injury rates nearly 15% between 2019 and 2021. What’s more, the vast majority of our employees tell us they feel our workplace is safe. We look forward to sharing more during our appeal about the numerous safety innovations, process improvements, and investments we’re making to further reduce injuries. We know there will always be ways for us to improve even further, and we will—we’ll never stop working to be safer for our employees,” Amazon added.
The ergonomic hazard warning was issued Wednesday.
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Three other investigations are ongoing in Aurora, Colorado; Nampa, Idaho; and Castleton, New York,, OSHA said.
“OSHA investigators found Amazon warehouse workers at high risk for lower back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders related to the high frequency with which workers are required to lift packages and other items; the heavy weight of the items; awkward postures, such as twisting, bending and long reaches while lifting; and long hours required to complete assigned tasks. OSHA also reviewed on-site injury logs required by OSHA and discovered that Amazon warehouse workers experienced high rates of musculoskeletal disorders,” OSHA said in the announcement.
“Each of these inspections found work processes that were designed for speed but not safety, and they resulted in serious worker injuries,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “While Amazon has developed impressive systems to make sure its customers’ orders are shipped efficiently and quickly, the company has failed to show the same level of commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of its workers.”
For more details, read the full announcement at: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20230118
