US Department of Labor to update media on workplace safety investigations at Amazon warehouses in several states, issuance of citations, warning letters

At a media briefing today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker will discuss a multi-facility investigation by the agency into ergonomic hazards facing Amazon warehouse workers in several U.S. states.

Earlier today, the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued Amazon citations for failing to keep workers safe, and issued hazard alert letters after inspections at three warehouses – in Deltona, Florida; Waukegan, Illinois; and New Windsor, New York – after finding workers exposed to ergonomic hazards.

Specifically, OSHA cited the company for violations of the general duty clause in the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which requires employers to provide safe workplaces. The agency also cited Amazon for exposing workers at the Florida warehouse to struck-by hazards. Similar investigations at three Amazon locations in Aurora, Colorado; Nampa, Idaho; and Castleton, New York, are ongoing.

WHO:            Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker

WHERE:       Upon RSVP, teleconference information and an embargoed press release will be provided.

WHEN:          Today at 12 p.m. EST

RSVP:            Media interested in covering this event should RSVP to mcclure.amanda.c@dol.gov.