Lyra Martin Tech 07.19.2022 14:Jul PM EDT

Federal Prosecutors, Department of Labor Probe Into Amazon's Work Facilities

Federal Prosecutors, Department of Labor Probes into Amazon's Work Facilities — Authorities are investigating Amazon facilities in New York City and elsewhere for unsafe working conditions.
Photo : SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images

Inspectors are examining possible safety concerns in Amazon warehouses and any fraudulent conduct intended to hide accidents from OSHA and other parties.

Investigations in Amazon Facilities are Conducted in Response to Several Reports

ABC News has revealed that federal prosecutors and the US Department of Labor are looking into Amazon warehouses for having harmful working conditions in New York City and other locations.

An OSHA spokesperson said that inspections were conducted in relation to, among other things, Amazon's prescribed pace of work for its warehouse employees.

The agency noted that in addition to looking into potential safety risks, the inspectors were also checking for "any fraudulent activity meant to conceal injuries from OSHA and others."

According to the statement, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York referred inspections after receiving complaints about alleged safety and health concerns. Additionally, it is looking at Amazon offices outside of Florida and Illinois.

Inl line with this, SDNY advised current and former Amazon warehouse workers to complete an online form to report any safety issues. The firm is particularly curious to find out more information on safety issues relating to the pace of work in warehouses and injuries that may have gotten inadequate treatment at AmCare, Amazon's on-site first-aid facility, or at a clinic that Amazon has suggested.

Amazon has dealt with many complaints and inquiries about worker safety over the last several years, especially in demanding jobs. The business was penalized and punished earlier this year for Kent's "strenuous labor at a dangerous pace" by Washington state's Department of Labor.

Last year, the company apologized for tweets that were critical of concerns about the working environment, claiming that drivers and other staff were required to pee in bottles to meet deadlines. M

Following the storm-related collapse of an Illinois warehouse, members of Congress and the Senate criticized the company for its "wholly inadequate" warehouse safety. The first union for the company in the US was formed in April by employees at a Staten Island warehouse in New York.

Amidst Warehouse Issues, Amazon Seeks to Grow Employment Rate

According to new research by a worker advocacy organization last month, unrealistic expectations, poor compensation, and excessive injuries fuel soaring turnover rates at Amazon facilities in New Jersey.

The turnover rate at Amazon warehouses in New Jersey was over 124% in 2020, which means that each year, more than one employee leaves or is let go from an Amazon warehouse employment in the state.

In fact, according to Recode's article in June, an internal Amazon letter reportedly reveals that the corporation will run out of workers by 2024.

However, despite the issues at the forefront of the corporation, in some regions of the UK where the company is constructing two new fulfillment centers, Amazon will employ additional people.

John Boumphrey, the company's national manager for the UK, said in a news release that he believes individuals would join it for the prospects for professional advancement in addition to the diversity of positions offered, high compensation, and perks.

The business said that as a result of the recruiting drive, Amazon would have over 75,000 permanent employees in Britain. Its expansion in overall employment stands in opposition to the wave of job losses in the IT sector.