Amazon Cited by OSHA for Dangerous Working Conditions

While the average American has suffered from our current economic recession, the historic rise in inflation, and the skyrocketing cost of living, Amazon.com Inc. and other massive corporations have increased their profits to the tune of billions more than previous years. 

For Amazon, these revenues are the result of their notorious ability to capitalize on economic and geographic challenges that overwhelmed their smaller competitors. If the destruction of small American industry was not bad enough, Amazon’s explosive growth has caused increasingly dangerous working conditions in their warehouses and delivery routes. 

Amazon has been under scrutiny from the Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) since July of 2022 for concerns regarding workplace safety, employee endangerment, and fraudulent conduct around the recording and reporting of work-related injuries. According to Reuters, in December of 2022 alone, OSHA filed 14 citations against Amazon warehouses exclusively for record-keeping violations about work-related illnesses and injuries. 

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, OSHA issued further citations against Amazon warehouses for exposing workers to ergonomic hazards. Their findings, which culminated in over $47,000 in penalties against one warehouse and over $60,000 against another, determined that workers are at risk of developing — or already suffer from — musculoskeletal injuries due to the extreme physical demands of their jobs. The exact number of injuries is difficult to know because OSHA suspects that many go unreported or are handled internally through the onsite first-aid “AmCare” centers. 

The risks of sustaining such injuries are exacerbated by Amazon’s high productivity quotas, systemic warehouse understaffing and large penalties and deductions in workers’ pay if the unrealistic and dangerous speed expectations are not met. Worse still, those who sustain injuries often continue working through them out of fear of Amazon’s intolerance for unproductive behavior- which includes taking sick leave. 

Workers are compelled into dangerous behavior that puts them and others in danger. Because Amazon has a huge network of delivery routes, their industry extends the risks beyond Amazon warehouses and into the public. 

OSHA expressed the firm belief that Amazon’s business model prioritizes speed and profit over worker safety. This has resulted in many employee injuries, avoidable accidents, and a company culture that lacks commitment to protecting people over profit. At Breit Biniazan, we believe that Amazon should be held responsible for all workers who suffer as a result of Amazon’s failure to take action to prevent workplace injuries. Please note that workplace injuries are caused specifically by employer negligence. Accidents and workers compensation alone will not qualify for our counsel. 

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries as a result of Amazon’s working conditions, we encourage you to seek legal advice and gather evidence. Keep a careful timeline regarding pain or recorded injuries, correspondence with Amazon regarding the injuries, and medical records related to the diagnosis and treatment of the injury. Since workplace injury litigation can be fairly complicated, Breit Biniazan encourages all clients to file a claim as soon as possible. Waiting could compromise your ability to demand proper compensation.

Individuals who file a workplace injury claim typically receive four types of benefits:

Medical coverage: If you suffered a workplace injury, you can demand compensation for all medical expenses associated with the injury.

Wage benefits: If an on-the-job accident prevents you from making an income, either temporarily or permanently, you could be entitled to those lost wages. 

Vocational rehabilitation: To help you return to work, your employer may offer vocational rehabilitation services. Examples include job training and counseling.     

Death benefits: If you lost a loved one because of a workplace accident or illness, workers’ compensation may pay for funeral costs and offer financial support.

At Breit Biniazan, we understand and appreciate the challenges associated with workplace injury cases. They are complicated and daunting, and rarely get filed as a result. Our mission is to ensure that our clients get a fair trial for their pain and suffering. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Breit Biniazan can help you investigate your claim and hold Amazon, Inc. accountable. We will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (855) 212-820 or online to schedule your consultation.