Senate investigation reveals Amazon ignored warnings about injury rates

In the United States, a recent investigation by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, led by Senator Bernie Sanders, revealed that Amazon has been aware of its high injury rates for years. The committee's staff report uncovered internal documents that outlined links between production quotas and increased injury rates among warehouse workers. Compounding the problem, employees have reported disciplinary actions for not meeting these quotas, suggesting a culture that prioritizes productivity over safety. The investigation disclosed Amazon's internal study known as Project Elderwand, which identified a risk threshold for repetitive motions that, once exceeded, significantly raised injury rates. This study revealed that workers were often required to pick over 266 items per hour, surpassing the safe limit established by Amazon health and safety personnel. As internal safety studies concluded that faster work paces correlated with heightened injury rates, it became apparent that the enforcement of production quotas was directly contributing to the health risks faced by workers. Amazon has consistently defended its safety record, noting that its injury rates fall close to industry averages. However, critics, including Sanders' team, argue that this metric is misleading because it misrepresents the reality of workers' experiences and is skewed by Amazon's size. Consequently, there’s skepticism surrounding the company's assurances about safety improvements, particularly as it has faced scrutiny from state regulators and OSHA over its injury rates, with proposed fines exceeding $100,000 for safety violations being contested by the company. In addition to workplace safety concerns, there are allegations that Amazon discourages workers from seeking medical attention beyond its in-house facilities, which may not be equipped to handle serious injuries. This claim raises significant ethical issues regarding employee health treatment and access, further complicating the public relations narrative surrounding Amazon's operational practices. As these investigations and reports continue to unfold, they shine a light on the ongoing tension between ensuring worker safety and maintaining production efficiency within the e-commerce giant.