Amazon Cited for Failure to Report Work-Related Injuries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited the world's largest online retailer for failure to report work-related injuries.

Federal safety investigators issued the citation earlier this month, in which they claim that Amazon did not report at least 26 injuries and illnesses sustained by workers on the job. These incidents are believed to have occurred at Amazon's distribution warehouse in New Jersey. 

Amazon currently employs more than 90,000 full-time employees in roughly 50 locations throughout the U.S. The company has been criticized in recent years for the way in which it handles its workers, both full-time and part-time. Some former employees allege the online retailer of pushing workers beyond their limits and not giving the mandatory breaks required by federal laws.

Amazon is currently facing a potential $7,000 fine for the alleged violations, as well as the implementation of corrective action. The citation comes in the wake of a vigorous inspection conducted by OSHA regulators. During this investigation, regulators discovered that Amazon was not reporting all of its work-related injuries to OSHA, nor did it supply the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to employees.

The company is facing a $7,000 fine and orders that it make changes in the wake of a multi-month inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The agency found Amazon did not report workplace injuries and did not supply protective equipment to workers, who were exposed to dangers including amputation.

Of course, this isn't the first time that Amazon has come under fire by OSHA. In 2013, a temporary worker was killed after getting stuck in a conveyor belt. A similar incident occurred just one year later in 2014 at Amazon's fulfillment center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

OSHA issues a statement in regards to Amazon's recent citation, stressing the importance of reporting work-related injuries and illnesses.

"Failure to properly record occupational illnesses and injuries is hazardous to workers," said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's Marlton Area Office. "The lack of accurate data can mask patterns of injuries and illnesses that could help uncover conditions with the potential of putting workers at risk."

Amazon has said that it plans to contest the 11-page citation. The online retailer said it takes worker safety "very seriously" and that it "did not" agree with OSHA's findings.