US Department of Labor finds Amazon
failed to provide injured employees proper medical treatment at Castleton, New York, fulfillment
facility (Similar citation issued at company facility in New Jersey in 2016)
WASHINGTON – An ongoing investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has found Amazon failed to provide adequate medical treatment for traumatic and chronic injuries at a fulfillment center in Castleton, New York.
OSHA determined that the company failed to ensure injured employees received proper medical care. At least six employees with head injuries and four with back injuries did not receive timely, necessary medical care. Injured workers were returned to their jobs, and, in many cases, their injuries became worse as a result.
The agency put Amazon on notice previously about deficient on-site medical practices. OSHA issued a Hazard Alert Letter on this issue in January 2016 after an investigation at a Robbinsville, New Jersey, fulfillment facility. A similar warning was delivered to Amazon more recently – in January 2023 – after OSHA identified deficiencies in on-site medical practices in Deltona, Florida.
“The work at these fulfillment facilities is physically demanding. Returning a worker with a back injury or possible concussion to their job without proper medical evaluation and care can lead to prolonged injuries and lifelong suffering,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “The examples uncovered by our investigation demonstrate a callous disregard for the well-being of Amazon's Castleton employees that is completely unacceptable.”
Ed Bosteter | Desktop/Lan Analyst
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