Amazon workers are employed at thousands of warehouses and fulfillment centers in New Jersey and across the U.S. They pack, sort and load packages on and off of trucks. They undergo safety training but still experience high rates of minor and severe injuries.
Analyzing warehouse safety data
A 2022 workplace injury study has revealed that Amazon workers experience twice as many accidents and injuries as those experienced by workers at other companies. In addition, the number of injuries Amazon warehouses has doubled since last year.
Workplace safety reports have increased the awareness of dangerous Amazon work environments. A small number of Amazon warehouse employees have begun to form labor unions to protect their rights. The need for unions increased during public health crises when companies showed more concern for keeping their businesses than protecting their employees from harm.
Relying on workers’ compensation insurance
In 2021, employees reported tens of thousands of injuries at Amazon warehouses and fulfillment centers. Most injuries, from back strains to slips and falls, were serious enough to cause short-term or long-term disabilities and the inability to work normally. As a result, workers have had to obtain coverage for workers’ compensation and rely on funds as a temporary or permanent source of income.
Investigating injuries
Amazon’s treatment of warehouse workers has come under scrutiny in the past few years. The major corporation is required to follow occupational work safety laws as outlined by OSHA. In addition, Amazon’s injury rates are being investigated, recorded and released in annual safety reports. If the company does not respond properly to injuries, the numbers are expected to increase in the upcoming years.