Amazon Fined $7,000 After Worker’s Death: Lack of Consequences for E-Commerce Giant

An Amazon Worker's Tragic Accident

In May, an Amazon worker in Indiana lost his life when his head collided with a conveyor belt. This incident has brought the safety record of Amazon under scrutiny. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a "serious" safety citation against the company. However, the maximum fine that Amazon could face was a mere $7,000.

Lack of Accountability for Amazon

A recent report by the Washington Post sheds light on the limited consequences faced by Amazon when its workers die on the job. Even when state regulators hold Amazon responsible for inadequate safety measures, the penalties remain insignificant. The article cites the case of Caes Gruesbeck, a 20-year-old Amazon worker in Indiana. Gruesbeck suffered fatal blunt force injuries when his head collided with a conveyor belt while using an elevated lift.

OSHA records reveal that Amazon, a company that generates hundreds of billions in revenue each quarter, received a $7,000 fine. This penalty was the maximum allowed in the state. Despite Indiana regulators acknowledging that the warehouse could have done more to address hazards that posed a risk of death, the consequences for Amazon were minimal.

"There's no real financial incentive for an employer like Amazon to change their working environment to make it safer," commented Stephen Wagner, an attorney in Indiana.

Poor Safety Record at Amazon

A study conducted in April, using OSHA's data, found that the rate of worker injuries at Amazon warehouses was 70% higher compared to similar facilities. Additionally, the rate of serious injuries was twice as high as other warehouses. OSHA has previously discovered instances where Amazon warehouses failed to report worker injuries.

Regulators have also criticized Amazon for prioritizing speed at the expense of worker safety. Workers have been observed engaging in awkward movements to lift items, such as twisting, bending, and extending themselves. This approach increases the risk of injuries.

Amazon's Defense and Safety Claims

Despite the mounting concerns and criticism, Amazon has consistently defended its safety record. The company insists that it cooperates with investigators and has made efforts to reduce workplace injuries. Amazon claims that workplace injury rates have decreased by nearly 15% from 2019 to 2021.

"The government's allegations don't reflect the reality of safety at our site," stated Maureen Lynch Vogel, a spokesperson for Amazon.

Business Insider reached out to Amazon for comment but did not receive an immediate response outside of regular business hours.

Source: Business Insider

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By: hgetahun@insider.com (Hannah Getahun)
Title: Amazon Fined $7,000 After Worker’s Death: Lack of Consequences for E-Commerce Giant
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/amazon-worker-death-indiana-resulted-7000-fine-2023-11
Published Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 04:38:38 +0000