Federal officials have cited Amazon for failing to report at least 26 work-related illnesses and injuries at a New Jersey warehouse and recommended that it address other safety concerns.
The citation stems from a July inspection of Amazon’s Robbinsville, N.J., fulfillment center by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The company also received ergonomic- and medical-related hazard letters.
“Failure to properly record occupational illnesses and injuries is hazardous to workers,” Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA’s Marlton area office, said in a news release. “The lack of accurate data can mask patterns of injuries and illnesses that could help uncover conditions with the potential of putting workers at risk.”
“In addition to keeping accurate records, Amazon should address the potential dangers identified in the hazard-alert letters to ensure the safety and health of its fulfillment center employees,” she added.
One of the letters faulted Amazon for exposing employees to stress from repeated bending at the waist and repeated exertions, and from standing during entire shifts up to 10 hours, four days a week and sometimes including mandatory overtime shifts.
The other letter said the company’s on-site medical unit provided medical care beyond what was allowed by their licensing and certification, without the supervision of a board-certified qualified medical professional licensed to practice independently.
Amazon said it will contest the citation, which carries a $7,000 fine.
“We take safety very seriously,” a spokesman said. “We do not agree with the findings.”