Fast pace at Amazon warehouse put workers at risk of injury, Washington officials say
An Amazon warehouse in Washington was cited and fined for creating a fast-paced workplace that caused a “serious hazard” for physical injury, officials said.
The fulfillment center in Kent was fined $60,000 by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, according to a March 21 news release from the department.
Amazon did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment.
The state labor department said it inspected the warehouse and found that 10 of the 12 work processes created a “serious hazard” for back, shoulder, wrist and knee injuries.
Workers were being required to do repetitive jobs like lifting, carrying and twisting so quickly that it “increases the risk of injury,” the department said.
This isn’t the first Amazon location accused of creating similar hazards, the agency said.
Three other locations in Washington were also cited, the department said, making Amazon aware of the issues.
“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 department said.
The department said Amazon “has consistently denied the association between pace of work and injury rates” and has “not yet made necessary changes to improve workplace safety.”
Amazon can appeal the citation and fine within 15 days or it is required to create a plan within 60 days to reduce the risk of injury, officials said. The company “has active appeals in the three previous cases.”
Kent is about 18 miles south of Seattle.
This story was originally published March 24, 2022 at 3:06 PM with the headline "Fast pace at Amazon warehouse put workers at risk of injury, Washington officials say."
