In light of recent allegations from a federal agency about safety shortcomings in its U.S. operations, Amazon.com is poised to roll out enhanced safety measures focused on curbing ergonomic injuries, including back issues faced by its employees.
This initiative, announced on Thursday, follows a settlement agreement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Details of the Settlement
The settlement responds to numerous complaints filed by OSHA regarding ten Amazon facilities across the country.
These complaints were expected to be reviewed in court next year before administrative judges.
To resolve these issues, Amazon plans to introduce a variety of improvements in its fulfillment, sorting, and delivery centers.
Key enhancements will include adjustable workstations, ergonomic mats, safety harnesses, and practices for job rotation.
Moreover, a reporting system will be established, allowing workers to identify and mitigate hazards they encounter.
Some of these measures are already in place at certain sites.
Financial Implications
As part of the settlement, Amazon will also pay $145,000 in penalties, which is approximately 90% of the fines initially sought by OSHA.
Worker Advocacy and Ongoing Concerns
Douglas Parker, OSHA’s director, emphasized that this agreement stands to benefit hundreds of thousands of Amazon employees.
He indicated OSHA’s readiness to collaborate with Amazon’s ergonomics team to track progress and ensure the company adheres to its commitments made during settlement negotiations.
This announcement has come on the heels of a walkout by employees at seven Amazon facilities.
The workers protested against what they see as unfair treatment within the company.
Safety concerns have been pivotal in ongoing efforts to unionize workers in various Amazon locations, particularly since many are employed through third-party contractors.
Unions and worker advocacy organizations have been vocal in their criticism, claiming that Amazon’s rigorous production quotas drive employees to work at unsafe speeds, leading to an increased risk of injuries.
In its defense, Amazon denies imposing such quotas and asserts that it has invested billions in improving workplace safety.
It’s important to recognize that this OSHA settlement does not affect a separate investigation by federal prosecutors in New York, which is looking into whether Amazon has hidden injury rates or safety concerns within its U.S. warehouses.
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Source: Claimsjournal
