Amazon Will Implement Nationwide Ergonomic Safety Measures Following DOL Settlement
The U.S. Department of Labor and Amazon reached a settlement requiring ergonomic improvements at facilities nationwide to reduce worker injuries.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Dec 23, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor announced that OSHA has reached a corporate-wide settlement with Amazon that will address ergonomic hazards across its facilities, requiring the company to adopt measures aimed at reducing musculoskeletal injuries.
According to a recent release, the two-year agreement resolves multiple cases brought against Amazon and marks a notable step in addressing workplace safety concerns at one of the nation's largest employers. Per the settlement, Amazon will pay a $145,000 penalty, accounting for over 90 percent of the amount assessed in the citations.
The company has also committed to implementing a corporate-wide ergonomics program across its fulfillment centers, sortation centers and delivery stations. The settlement applies to facilities under OSHA’s jurisdiction and includes an alternative dispute resolution process to address ergonomic hazards raised by employees.
“This corporate-wide settlement agreement focuses on improving conditions for several hundred thousand Amazon workers nationwide,” OSHA Assistant Secretary Douglas L. Parker said in a statement. “The ball is in the company’s court. OSHA stands ready to work with their ergonomics team to evaluate their progress and verify the commitments they made to OSHA.”
The settlement outlines a series of obligations for Amazon, including annual ergonomic risk assessments, piloting engineering controls, and providing ergonomic training to site-level staff and employees. A designated Site Ergonomics Lead (SEL) will oversee local implementation and ensure compliance with corporate guidelines.
Amazon has also agreed to maintain multiple channels for employees to report ergonomic concerns, including anonymous submissions. OSHA retains the authority to conduct inspections and enforce the agreement —which mandates biannual meetings to evaluate injury trends, pilot projects and effectiveness—if Amazon fails to comply.
Measures already implemented by Amazon include adjustable workstations, redesigned packing stations and improved conveyor systems. This settlement does not affect an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of New York into allegations that Amazon misrepresented injury rates and warehouse safety conditions.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.