A recent study out of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware found that Amazon warehouse workers there were twice as likely to get seriously injured than workers at other warehouses in those states. Amazon warehouses in general reported 7.2 work injuries per 200,000 work hours, or roughly 7 injuries per 100 workers every year.
And the problem is likely getting worse. Last year, Amazon’s injury rate was 5.9 serious incidents per 100 full-time workers, which was nearly double the rate of warehouse incidents even then. Now, the figure is even higher. In New Jersey, the injury rate has dropped slightly but remains higher than other warehouses in the state.
About 40% of Amazon worker injuries are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs):
- Sprains
- Strains
- Back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hernias
These are common injuries at other warehouses, but Amazon workers believe things are more brutal in their facilities due to non-stop productivity monitoring, too little recovery time, and pressure to go as quickly as possible. Amazon has claimed that their safety record is skewed by “young workers” who aren’t used to the rigors of warehouse work. But workers report unreasonable requests, like one 28-year-old woman who was told to lift an 80-pound package without any support. That employee then tripped and tore the meniscus in her left knee.
It forced her to take leave for three months; she eventually left the job.
Injured Workers Deserve an Advocate
If you were injured at your job due to your employer’s negligence or poor safety policy, you deserve a chance to recover. At The Law Offices of Lloyd E. Bennett Esq., P.C., we provide injured workers with representation for work injuries and workers’ compensation, allowing them to secure the medical care and financial stability they need.
Speak with our New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyers in a consultation today: Call (800) 909-8129.
