Federal Regulators Crack Down On Amazon Warehouses In Florida
Amazon has faced a number of lawsuits and controversies over the years. Some involve exploding batteries and similarly defective products, while others involve alleged monopolization and anti-trust violations. But among these lawsuits, the ones that seem to have the highest chance of success involve workplace safety violations. It’s no secret that Amazon warehouses across the nation have experienced a number of shocking accidents. Now it seems that the federal government is ready to hit Amazon with real consequences over alleged safety violations. But what can you do if you have been injured while working in an Amazon warehouse?
Federal Regulators Find Serious Safety Violations at Florida Amazon Warehouse
On January 18th of 2023, federal regulators announced the results of their investigations into Amazon warehouses in several states, including Florida. According to their findings, Amazon has been putting workers at risk for serious injuries – especially back and joint injuries. Although Amazon faces a paltry penalty of just $60,000 for these infractions, this highlights that safety issues in Amazon warehouses are real. This isn’t the first infraction Amazon has committed, either. Back in December regulators cited Amazon for failing to properly record workplace injuries. An OSHA representative stated:
“Each of these inspections found work processes that were designed for speed but not safety, and they resulted in serious worker injuries.”
Federal authorities also stressed that these musculoskeletal disorders can persist long after employment at Amazon, potentially causing lifelong medical issues for employees.
Amazon has replied by denying all allegations, stating:
“The vast majority of our employees tell us they feel our workplace is safe,” the spokesperson said. “We look forward to sharing more during our appeal about the numerous safety innovations, process improvements, and investments we’re making to further reduce injuries. We know there will always be ways for us to improve even further, and we will—we’ll never stop working to be safer for our employees.”
In addition, Federal regulators discovered that interior temperatures at the Florida warehouse are too high, increasing the chances of stroke and other medical issues.
Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim After an Injury at an Amazon Warehouse?
If you have suffered an injury of any kind at an Amazon warehouse, you should immediately explore the possibility of a workers’ compensation claim. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and you can also be part of the wider effort to hold Amazon accountable for unsafe working conditions.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Workers’ Comp Attorney in Tampa?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Tampa workers’ compensation attorney, look no further than Franco Law Firm. We know that big corporations like Amazon are famous for violating workers’ rights – particularly when it comes to safety. Make sure to hold them accountable and receive the compensation you deserve. Even if your claim has already been denied, you can still push back with our help. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
Sources:
businessinsider.com/amazon-warehouse-workers-injuries-back-joints-musculoskeletal-osha-citations-2023-1
osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/01182023
