Amazon is facing a willful serious violation and a $60,000 fine for knowingly putting workers at risk of injury at its fulfillment center in Kent, Washington.
A Washington Department of Labor & Industries inspection at the e-commerce giant reportedly found 10 of the 12 processes L&I evaluated create a serious hazard for work-related back, shoulder, wrist and knee injuries.
L&I ergonomists reportedly found that many Amazon jobs involve repetitive motions, lifting, carrying, twisting, and other physical work. Workers are required to perform these tasks at such a fast pace that it increases the risk of injury.
The citation requires Amazon to submit a written plan to L&I within 60 days, detailing methods the company will use to abate the safety issues.
Because L&I has reportedly cited Amazon for similar violations at three Washington locations, the most recent violation is classified as a willful violation and comes with a significantly higher penalty than those issued as a result of earlier inspections. The company has not yet made necessary changes to improve workplace safety and has consistently denied the association between pace of work and injury rates.
Amazon has 15 working days to appeal the latest citation and fine. The company has active appeals in the three previous cases.
Fines paid as a result of a citation go into the workers’ compensation supplemental pension fund, helping workers and families of those who have died on the job.
Topics Washington
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Florida Public Adjuster, Renter Charged With Filing Claim on Rental Home 
Carnival Puts Miami Headquarters Up for Sale as Florida Real Estate Soars 
Viewpoint: Florida Insurance Market on the Mend 
Cargo Owners in Baltimore Disaster Face ‘General Average’ Loss Sharing, MSC Says 
