Amazon Is Under Fire After Federal Investigators Discover Unsafe Conditions At Warehouses

Amazon Is Under Fire After Federal Investigators Discover Unsafe Conditions At Warehouses


January 31, 2023 | Eul Basa

Amazon Is Under Fire After Federal Investigators Discover Unsafe Conditions At Warehouses


Amazon’s latest crisis should serve as a wake-up call for the company to do better for its workers. This month, the online retail company was served a major safety citation after federal investigators found multiple of its warehouses operating under unsafe working conditions.

Staffers at these facilities have long complained about Amazon’s negligence, with several workers accusing the company of prioritizing efficiency over their safety. This investigation proves that this isn’t just a boy-cries-wolf situation, as the data clearly indicates a rapid rise in lower-back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders among Amazon warehouse employees in recent years.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration concluded that Amazon was “failing to keep workers safe” and that the working conditions at three of the company’s warehouses were riddled with hazards that could cause “serious physical harm.” Despite past large-scale investigations into Amazon’s injury rates over the years, this instance marks the first time a federal fine has been imposed on the company.

Amazon Prime logo on a package boxFlickr

Debbie Berkowitz, a former senior adviser for OSHA, told Wired that the citations were not ones to take lightly. She explained that the citations are “actually very substantive” and that Amazon will be required to make a number of changes to improve worker safety in their facilities, such as implementing an ergonomics model to help prevent injuries and a stricter policy for recording and reporting work-related injuries.

Amazon, on the other hand, denies the agency’s findings and is actually planning on appealing them. Company spokesperson Kelly Nantel disputed the recent allegations, claiming that the vast majority of their employees have said they feel their workplace is safe.

“We’ve cooperated fully and the government’s allegations don’t reflect the reality of safety at our sits,” she said.

Nantel also claims that Amazon has invested a great deal of time and money to lower the risk of injury at its warehouses, and she even provided internal data demonstrating that it managed to lower injury rates by nearly 15 per cent between 2019 and 2022.

Still, OSHA’s findings show that Amazon’s injury rates are typically double that of Walmart, which is the company’s closest competitor in terms of size. The agency has confirmed that it will continue to investigate Amazon’s facilities in the coming months.

Source: 1


READ MORE

I'm trying to sell my house but my neighbour never mows his lawn or cleans up his property, and it's affecting the value of my home. What can I do?

Curb appeal doesn’t stop at your property line, and unfortunately, your neighbor’s overgrown lawn or junk pile can absolutely hurt your sale price. But what can you do about it?
December 11, 2025 Jesse Singer
Credit Card

Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Fast

Stuck in a credit rut? A low credit score can feel like a roadblock but, hey, it’s not unsalvageable. There are things you can do that’ll boost your score and your confidence pronto.
December 20, 2024 Miles Brucker
Golf

11 Leisure Time Activities Of The World’s Richest People

Apart from business deals, bank accounts, and monitoring the stock market, some billionaires have hobbies that are surprisingly down-to-earth—or outright unexpected. So, what are the richest people’s favorite hobbies?
December 24, 2024 Peter Kinney

Surprising Things That Decrease Your Property Value

If you’re trying to sell your home, there are many things that can decrease your property value—but even the experts were surprised by potential buyers’ biggest turn-off.
December 4, 2025 JK

I bought a house with a shared fence. My neighbor doesn't take care of his side and now he wants me to pay for his upgrades. What are my options?

Buying a house with a shared fence might seem simple—it's just a fence what could go wrong? Well, it's all fun and games until your neighbor neglects their side and suddenly wants you to pay for upgrades.
December 19, 2025 Jesse Singer

Rare And Expensive Pokémon Cards Still Hiding In People's Closets

The world of Pokémon card collecting has grown from a childhood hobby into a high-stakes game for serious collectors, investors, and nostalgic fans alike. From one-of-a-kind tournament trophies to mysterious misprints and elusive promos, these cards are the crown jewels of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
December 8, 2025 Quinn Mercer


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team