‘Get back to work’: Amazon faces fresh scrutiny over workplace safety record
Summary
Amazon has faced ongoing questions about safety at its workplaces after reports of several worker injuries and deaths. A recent lawsuit describes how an injured worker was told to keep working, later placed on unpaid leave, and then fired, raising concerns about how Amazon handles employee safety and medical issues.Key Facts
- Amazon is one of the largest employers in the world and has faced criticism over its workplace safety record.
- In 2019, a worker died after a heart attack in an Amazon warehouse, with managers allegedly telling staff to “get back to work.”
- Another worker recently died at an Amazon distribution center in Oregon; the company said it was due to an existing medical issue.
- Amazon’s internal training materials encouraged minimizing use of workers’ compensation doctors and discouraged sending workers home or excusing time off after injuries.
- The company disputed the authenticity and relevance of the training document, saying it was old and not officially approved.
- A worker in California, Juan Loera-Gomez, suffered a serious injury on the job and was told to keep working despite pain.
- After six months of treatment and work accommodations, he was put on unpaid leave and later fired by email, according to his lawsuit.
- Loera-Gomez also helped organize efforts for better safety and working conditions in the warehouse.
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