If you work in a warehouse, you understand how demanding the industry can be. You move merchandise at a quick pace. And your supervisors expect you to complete multiple tasks in a day. With the constant lifting and bending, you are subject to many workplace injuries.
Warehouses everywhere can be dangerous workplaces. But a new study finds that Amazon workers have a higher risk of harm. As the company tries to increase its production rates, they place more stress on employees, increasing the risk of injuries.
Amazon doubles the industry standard of severe injuries
A study by Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting found that serious injuries in Amazon warehouses doubled the industry average in 2018. Serious injuries are those where employees must take time off work to recover.
Warehouses generally see around four serious injuries per 100 full-time workers. For Amazon fulfillment centers, the study found the average was 9.6 per 100 workers.
Amazon employees say the company pushes harsh production demands
Multiple current and former employees of the company blame the injury rates on unreasonable production demands. Workers have strict time limits when completing tasks. And if they don’t complete an expected output quickly, they find themselves punished or fired.
This stress can cause them to push their bodies too hard, causing strain that can lead to injuries. Some workers even find themselves unable to recover from the damage done.
Trying to reach an unreasonable production goal can cause injuries
When you push yourself to meet production in a warehouse job, you can become subject to many different injuries. Bending, lifting and twisting can damage the muscles in your back. And when there is heavy machinery moving around the warehouse floor, you can fall victim to accidents that leave you unable to work.
If a push by your supervisor to increase production leaves you injured, you may need to rely on workers’ compensation benefits to cover your bills while you can’t work.