Amazon Is Under Fire After Federal Investigators Discover Unsafe Conditions At Warehouses
Amazon’s latest crisis should serve as a wake-up call for the company to do better for its workers. This month, the online retail company was served a major safety citation after federal investigators found multiple of its warehouses operating under unsafe working conditions.
Staffers at these facilities have long complained about Amazon’s negligence, with several workers accusing the company of prioritizing efficiency over their safety. This investigation proves that this isn’t just a boy-cries-wolf situation, as the data clearly indicates a rapid rise in lower-back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders among Amazon warehouse employees in recent years.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration concluded that Amazon was “failing to keep workers safe” and that the working conditions at three of the company’s warehouses were riddled with hazards that could cause “serious physical harm.” Despite past large-scale investigations into Amazon’s injury rates over the years, this instance marks the first time a federal fine has been imposed on the company.
Flickr
Debbie Berkowitz, a former senior adviser for OSHA, told Wired that the citations were not ones to take lightly. She explained that the citations are “actually very substantive” and that Amazon will be required to make a number of changes to improve worker safety in their facilities, such as implementing an ergonomics model to help prevent injuries and a stricter policy for recording and reporting work-related injuries.
Amazon, on the other hand, denies the agency’s findings and is actually planning on appealing them. Company spokesperson Kelly Nantel disputed the recent allegations, claiming that the vast majority of their employees have said they feel their workplace is safe.
“We’ve cooperated fully and the government’s allegations don’t reflect the reality of safety at our sits,” she said.
Nantel also claims that Amazon has invested a great deal of time and money to lower the risk of injury at its warehouses, and she even provided internal data demonstrating that it managed to lower injury rates by nearly 15 per cent between 2019 and 2022.
Still, OSHA’s findings show that Amazon’s injury rates are typically double that of Walmart, which is the company’s closest competitor in terms of size. The agency has confirmed that it will continue to investigate Amazon’s facilities in the coming months.
Source: 1
READ MORE
As the crisis continues, airlines are hemhorraging money. Will airlines survive this crisis? And if so, how?
If you're looking to expand your buying power, you need to check out the best credit cards of 2020. You won't believe some of these extras!
Whether it's an incompetent client or an unhinged attorney, these lawyers' stories of their most outrageous plot twists had us banging the gavel.
There is a reason why shows like Gray's Anatomy and ER are so addictive: Hospital drama is insane, and not just on TV—that stuff happens in real life, too.
Courtroom cases can take months or even years to go in front of a judge. Then, in the blink of an eye, it can all unravel spectacularly.
On TV, courtrooms seem like well-oiled machines. In real life, though? Not so much. These court cases are wild rides from start to finish.
Disclaimer
The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.
Dear reader,
It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.
Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!
Warmest regards,
The Moneymade team
