Washington Amazon Center Fined for Unsafe Work Practices -- Occupational Health & Safety

Washington Amazon Center Fined for Unsafe Work Practices

Amazon finds itself in the middle of controversy after being fined for unsafe work practices

By Alex Saurman
Mar 24, 2022

An Amazon fulfillment center in Washington State is facing a willful violation of putting their workers at risk of injury.

According to a press release, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) found that Amazon workers are required to perform repetitive and physically-demanding tasks at a fast pace, putting them at risk for back, shoulder, wrist, and knee injuries.

The Kent, Wash. fulfillment center is facing a $60,000 fine. This violation was deemed willful since three other Amazon centers in the state are facing similar violations.

Amazon is required to create an abatement plan within 60 days to resolve the issues. Amazon can appeal within 15 working days.

About the Author

Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.

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