All workers deserve a safe workplace. Unfortunately, far too often, employers sacrifice employees’ well-being for profits. The pressure to work fast can increase the risk of work injuries.
A coalition of four labor unions analyzed data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and surveyed Amazon workers about workplace safety. The coalition, known as the Strategic Organizing Center (SOC), found that Amazon is one of the leading U.S. employers responsible for work injuries.
The report found that Amazon warehouses have almost double the rate of workplace injuries than other warehouses. More than 40 percent of surveyed workers experienced a job-related injury that required them to miss work. Over 80 percent of employees blamed their injury on production pressure or speed.
Amazon has 17 facilities in Illinois that employ around 18,000 people. SOC health and safety director Eric Frumin noted that multiple Amazon warehouses in the state have injury rates that exceed the national rate. The work injury rate of a Waukegan fulfillment center is over 5.5 times the national rate for other employers.
The report noted that injuries are even more common among delivery drivers, who face intense pressure to meet Amazon’s strict delivery deadlines, often driving in poor weather or road conditions. Amazon delivery drivers are injured at higher rates than UPS drivers.
Amazon workers are at risk of suffering a wide range of injuries due to the physically demanding and repetitive nature of their work. Frumin described the company’s work environment as one that is defined by demanding workloads and schedules, as well as a digital discipline system that puts pressure on workers. He urged the employer to make significant changes and pay more attention to worker safety.
Employers are responsible for providing employees with a safe work environment. If you suffered a work injury, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Illinois workers’ compensation benefits provide vital financial support after an on-the-job accident. They cover the cost of medical bills, lost income and other expenses.
Contact the Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg to learn more. We can answer all your questions and guide you through the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim.