Amazon Loses Bid to Overturn Union Victory at Staten Island Warehouse
New York TimesNov 28, 2022
OSHA Cites Amazon for Exposing Warehouse Workers to Safety Hazards
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Image copyright: Getty Images [via NPR News]
The Facts
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.
The Spin
Left narrative
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.
Right narrative
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.
