Amazon focuses on safety: New measures in US branches

Amazon is implementing comprehensive safety measures in its U.S. facilities to settle allegations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The online giant was accused of not adequately ensuring that its employees are protected against back problems and other ergonomic injuries. The company is drawing a line under a series of complaints affecting a total of ten facilities. These cases were to be heard before administrative judges next year. As part of the settlement, Amazon is introducing height-adjustable workstations, ergonomic mats, straps, and shift changes in all its warehouse and delivery centers. Additionally, a process will be established to quickly review and eliminate hazards reported by employees. Some of these measures are already implemented in certain facilities. In addition to implementing these precautions, Amazon is paying penalties amounting to $145,000, which is about 90 percent of the originally demanded amount. A statement from the company regarding this step is still pending. According to Douglas Parker, OSHA’s director, hundreds of thousands of Amazon employees could benefit from this settlement. "The ball is now in Amazon’s court. We stand ready to assess their progress together," said Parker. Parallel to the announcement, employees at seven different Amazon locations walked off the job to protest against what they consider unfair treatment by the company. Central issues include the allegedly dangerous production quotas demanded of the employees. Amazon refutes this and highlights its investments of billions of dollars in worker safety. The settlement with OSHA does not affect a separate investigation by the federal prosecutor's office in New York. This is examining whether Amazon may have concealed injury rates and safety risks in its U.S. warehouses.