Minnesota OSHA Cites Amazon for Ergonomic and Other Hazards
The state's ergonomics program went into effect in early 2024.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jun 27, 2024
Amazon's warehouse in Shakopee, Minnesota, faces a $10,500 penalty following a recent inspection by Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA). Conducted in October 2023, the inspection resulted in two serious citations for the company in April 2024. The infractions include failing to protect workers from ergonomic hazards and not providing employees with written quotas.
According to a recent release, the MNOSHA investigation revealed Amazon did not adequately safeguard employees engaged in the selection, sorting, packaging and shipping of products. Furthermore, employees expected to meet specific quotas were not informed of these in writing beforehand. Amazon has since decided to contest both of MNOSHA’s citations.
"It is important that work processes are designed with the goal of eliminating workplace injuries and that workers be informed of expectations that directly impact their safety and well-being," Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach said in a statement. "I'm proud of MNOSHA's work to enforce Minnesota's laws that ensure warehouse workers have a safe and healthy workplace. My hope is that the new laws and this enforcement leads warehouses in Minnesota to make the safety and health of their workers the top priority."
Minnesota’s warehouse distribution worker safety law requires warehouse employers to disclose quotas and work-speed data to employees, ensuring they are informed about their job performance and rights. Likewise, it requires MNOSHA to investigate any worksite with an employee incidence rate 30 percent higher than the industry average.
Minnesota’s ergonomics program—which went into effect on January 1, 2024—aims to reduce workplace ergonomic injuries. MNOSHA has been actively inspecting facilities in regulated industries, such as warehouse distribution centers. This program requires employers to develop and implement an ergonomics plan to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
MSDs may include afflictions of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage and spinal discs. Employers must provide ongoing training, conduct risk assessments, and ensure that plant modifications align with ergonomic safety goals. Minnesota OSHA Compliance enforces these regulations through inspections, accident investigations and educational outreach.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.