OSHA Investigates Amazon Warehouse Collapse after Deadly Illinois Tornado
OSHA opens a probe into Amazon’s fatal warehouse collapse.
- By Shereen Hashem
- Dec 14, 2021
OSHA is currently investigating a deadly collapse at an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, an agency spokesperson said. The collapse was caused by a tornado Friday. Six workers were killed, one was injured and 45 were rescued safely, Gov. J.B. Prizker said in a press conference Saturday.
The tornado was one of at least 30 that left a path of destruction across several states, where more than 60 people were pronounced dead. Once the tornado touched down in Edwardsville, the walls of both sides of the warehouse collapsed inward, while the roof collapsed downward, Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said in a news conference Saturday. Site leaders at the warehouse, known as DLI4, told employees at the facility to take shelter. The tornado likely formed in the parking lot then rolled through the site, Amazon said.
OSHA has six months to complete its probe, issue citations and propose monetary penalties if violations of workplace safety and/or health regulations are found, OSHA spokesperson Scott Allen said. The agency has had compliance officers at the warehouse since Saturday to provide assistance.
According to an article, Amazon previously said it was working to monitor the situation and support the recovery, including assisting with local relief efforts in Edwardsville.
“We’re deeply saddened by the news that members of our Amazon family passed away as a result of the storm in Edwardsville, IL,” Nantel said earlier on Monday. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by the tornado.”
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.