The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a corporate-wide settlement with Amazon, aimed at improving ergonomic safety measures across the company's facilities nationwide. This agreement comes after multiple ergonomics cases were brought against Amazon.com Services LLC by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), marking the first major multi-site investigation by OSHA in over ten years.
Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas L. Parker stated, "This corporate-wide settlement agreement focuses on improving conditions for several hundred thousand Amazon workers nationwide." He emphasized that Amazon is required to assess ergonomic risks annually and implement controls to mitigate these risks. Parker noted, "The ball is in the company’s court."
Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda highlighted the importance of such settlements, stating, "Corporate-wide settlements can be a critical tool to protect workers from health and safety violations because they protect the most workers and can incentivize companies to solve underlying problems." She added that the Solicitor’s Office supports agreements that compel employers to demonstrate their commitment to resolving complex issues.
Under this agreement, Amazon must ensure effective implementation of ergonomic requirements at its fulfillment centers, sortation centers, delivery stations, and other facilities under federal OSHA's jurisdiction. The agreement includes an alternative dispute resolution process designed to address ergonomic hazards promptly.
Amazon will pay a penalty of $145,000 as part of this settlement. The company is also committed to conducting ergonomic risk assessments through its corporate ergonomics team and providing necessary training for site-level staff.
Furthermore, Amazon must offer multiple communication methods for employees regarding ergonomic concerns and evaluate its corporate-wide ergonomics program's effectiveness. OSHA retains the right to conduct monitoring inspections if necessary.
The settlement outlines specific ergonomic safety measures already implemented by Amazon at certain sites, including adjustable height workstations and redesigned packing stations. The term of this agreement is two years but may be terminated after one year by either party.
This settlement does not affect an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York into potential fraudulent practices by Amazon concerning injury rates and worker safety hazards.
For more details on ergonomics-related hazards, visit OSHA's Safety and Health Topics page on ergonomics at https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics
