Amazon Warehouse Injury Risks
Warehousing work is extremely dangerous. Recently reported data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that warehousing injury and illness rates increased at workplaces between 2020 and 2021, and the BLS identifies warehousing as one of the most dangerous industries in terms of the overall rate of fatal injuries, as well as nonfatal injuries and illnesses, in the country. Some warehouses also may be more dangerous than others. Our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers want to discuss a recent fine issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to Amazon warehouses in Florida and a handful of other states, along with warehousing injuries more generally. If you were injured while working at a warehouse, it is important to get in touch with a West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney who can help you with your claim.
Amazon Fined for Warehousing Workplace Safety Issues
What makes some Amazon warehouses especially dangerous for workers? A recent article in Tech Crunch reported that OSHA recently determined that “three Amazon warehouse facilities had violated legislation designed to require employers to provide safe working environments.” More specifically, OSHA investigations identified hazards that put workers at these Amazon warehouses “at high risk for back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), especially in warehouse environments that prioritize speed over safety.” In addition, OSHA investigations also determined that a number of Amazon warehouses have not properly recorded worker injuries and/or reported them as required.
The article describes an “ongoing pattern of employee injuries” at Amazon warehouses that include “struck-by injuries while handling objects over 50 pounds.” In addition, the Amazon warehouse in Florida that was cited by OSHA was fined for being “too hot,” an unsafe working condition that could result in heat-related injuries and illnesses among workers.
Dangers of Warehousing Work in Florida and Across the Country
What are some of the most common types and causes of injuries among workers at Amazon warehouses and other types of warehouses in Florida? The following are all types of injuries that have been cited by OSHA at various warehouses:
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents and injuries;
- Crush injuries;
- Machinery accidents and injuries;
- Forklift injuries;
- Struck-by accidents, including being struck by falling objects; and
- Lifting and carrying injuries.
These types of injuries can be debilitating, and they can result in lengthy periods of missed work. In some cases, these kinds of injuries can be fatal.
Contact a West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Warehousing is extremely dangerous work, whether you routinely operate a large machine or vehicle, or you are responsible for handling individual packages and goods. If you were recently injured while working at a warehouse — an Amazon warehouse or any other warehouse — you may be eligible to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. You will need to be sure to report your injury to your employer within 30 days, and then you should get in touch with one of the experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. to get started on your claim. Our goal is to help ensure that you take all necessary steps in order to obtain the compensation you need.
Sources:
bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf
techcrunch.com/2023/01/18/amazon-fined-by-regulators-for-unsafe-warehouse-work-conditions/
