Senate Report Slams Amazon For Ignoring Worker Safety

Amazon has ignored its own research showing that warehouse employees face increasing injury risks due to its focus on productivity, according to a Senate investigation, Chris Isidore reported for CNN.

The Senate report revealed that the company forces workers to repeat the same movements hundreds or even thousands of times each shift, leading to high rates of muscle and joint injuries. I Photo: Amazon

The Senate report revealed that the company forces workers to repeat the same movements hundreds or even thousands of times each shift, leading to high rates of muscle and joint injuries.

The report also alleges that Amazon forces employees to choose between adhering to safety protocols — such as asking for assistance with heavy objects — and meeting productivity quotas to avoid disciplinary actions or termination.

Amazon has denied the findings, claiming the report misrepresents data and insisting that workplace injuries have decreased even as output has grown.

However, internal company documents, such as the Project Soteria report, contradict Amazon’s public statements, the Senate report stated.

The 160-page investigation, spearheaded by a Senate committee led by long-time Amazon critic Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, is not the first time the company’s work practices have come under government scrutiny.

In 2023, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) proposed fines totaling $100,000 for exposing workers to ergonomic hazards.

The Senate report argues that such fines are insufficient to force change at Amazon, which posted profits exceeding $17 billion in its most recent quarter. Amazon continues to contest OSHA’s findings and asserts it is making strides to reduce workplace injuries.