Workers in and around Spokane should never have to worry about whether or not their workplace is safe. While we know that work injuries occur, employers should take steps to ensure their workers are as safe as reasonably possible. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we have concerns that the new Amazon Fulfillment Center preparing to open in Spokane will fall short of safety standards. Our Spokane personal injury attorneys want to discuss the opening of this center and what it means for workers.
Amazon has a history of being unsafe for workers
US online shopping giant Amazon is set to open a fulfillment center in Spokane in the middle of 2020. While we should be celebrating the 1,500 jobs that this Amazon Fulfillment Center is bringing to the area, we are concerned about the safety of those who will end up being employed there.
Recent investigations have uncovered that many Amazon Fulfillment Centers across the United States experience higher injury rates than the normal rate for their industry. It is not necessarily news that Amazon has a poor record when it comes to worker safety.
Out of 23 fulfillment centers examined, 19 of them showed injury rates higher than the industry standard. Two of the centers have injury rates 4 to 5 times higher than the industry average. Both of those Amazon Fulfillment Centers are in the Everett – one in Troutdale, OR and the other in DuPont, WA.
Amazon has long been known to be harsh on workers. In an effort to keep up with their high volume and promises of fast delivery to customers, workers have been known to face high quotas. There have been reports of Amazon employees being afraid to use the restroom.
For their part, Amazon says safety is a top priority. They say that they take an aggressive stance on recording injuries no matter how small, which results in elevated injury rates.
Work injuries come in many forms, and they are not uncommon. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.8 million nonfatal work injuries or illnesses reported during the latest year in the country. These injuries vary widely, but our Spokane work injury lawyers regularly help those who have suffered the following:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken or Dislocated Bones
- Hearing and Vision Loss
- Respiratory Problems
- Severe Lacerations or Amputations
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
We can help you through this
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in the workplace but are struggling to receive the compensation you deserve, seek legal assistance today. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we are dedicated to protecting injured workers. Let us investigate what happened and work to secure the following:
- Compensation for any medical bills related to the workplace accident
- Any lost income and benefits you incur
- Coverage of any lost future earnings
- Compensation for lost earning potential
When you need a personal injury lawyer in Spokane, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 509-361-2065.