Amazon cited by Labor Department for exposing warehouse workers to safety hazards
CNBCJan 18, 2023
On Wednesday, the US Dept. of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued citations against Amazon.com Inc for failing to protect warehouse workers from ergonomic hazards that subsequently caused serious injuries.
OSHA inspections found "serious violations" that risked leading to "lower back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)" for employees at facilities in New Windsor, New York, Waukegan, Illinois, and Deltona, Florida.
Amazon's warehouse and delivery workers are the ones paying the price for the company's obsession with the development of speedy and efficient systems. Productivity quotas and the fast pace of work have prevented employees from taking adequate bathroom and rest breaks, while also contributing to high injury rates.
OSHA's allegations do not reflect the reality of safety at Amazon warehouses. The company has been working hard to minimize risks and protect its workers, including by partnering with the National Safety Council and publicly committing to reduce musculoskeletal disorders, which are the most common workplace injury across all industries.
There's a 3% chance that Jeff Bezos will hold major political office in the United States before February 2033, according to the Metaculus prediction community.