Amazon Agrees To Worker Safety Measures To Settle U.S. Probe

Amazon has agreed to implement enhanced safety measures at all U.S. facilities to resolve allegations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that the company failed to prevent ergonomic injuries among its workers.

OSHA had alleged violations at 10 Amazon facilities, including failures to protect workers from developing back problems and other musculoskeletal disorders. I Photo: Amazon Labor union

The settlement was announced last week, Daniel Wiessner reported for Reuters.

OSHA had alleged violations at 10 Amazon facilities, including failures to protect workers from developing back problems and other musculoskeletal disorders. To settle the claims, Amazon will introduce safety measures such as adjustable-height workstations, ergonomic mats, harnesses, and job rotations across its fulfillment, sorting, and delivery centers.

The company will also establish processes to review and mitigate hazards reported by workers.

Amazon spokesperson Maureen Lynch Vogel stated that OSHA had withdrawn nine of the 10 complaints originally issued. The remaining complaint pertains to an Illinois warehouse and allegations involving the handling of bulky items like televisions.

OSHA director Douglas Parker described the settlement as a significant step that could benefit hundreds of thousands of Amazon employees.

“The ball is in the company’s court. OSHA stands ready to work with their ergonomics team to evaluate progress and verify commitments,” Parker said. Amazon will also pay $145,000 in penalties, approximately 90% of what OSHA had initially sought.