The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) levied penalties on Amazon on Feb. 1 for safety violations at warehouses in Aurora, Colo.; Nampa, Idaho; and Castleton, N.Y. Two weeks ago, the e-commerce giant received citations for safety hazards at three other worksites.
OSHA investigators concluded that Amazon warehouse workers were at high risk for lower back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders because of heavy lifting and long hours required to complete assigned tasks. The agency said Amazon warehouse workers experienced high rates of musculoskeletal injuries.
Amazon faces $46,875 in proposed fines for the violations at the Aurora, Nampa and Castleton facilities.
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Other Locations
On Jan. 17, OSHA cited Amazon for ergonomic hazards after inspections at three warehouse facilities in Deltona, Fla.; Waukegan, Ill.; and New Windsor, N.Y. The retailer faces $60,269 in penalties for violations at those three sites. The company said it will contest the citations.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said, "We take the safety and health of our employees very seriously, and we strongly disagree with these allegations and intend to appeal. We've cooperated fully, and the government's allegations don't reflect the reality of safety at our sites."
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