Amazon Warehouse In Clay Had One of The Highest Injury Rates In All of New York
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK (May 16, 2024) – An estimated 10% of all the warehouse workers at Amazon’s Clay distribution center were injured on the job in 2022, according to a new report.
The report was created by a coalition of labor unions and community advocates. Another report estimated that the injury rate at the Clay site was more than twice that at non-Amazon warehouses across the nation.
It is currently ranked second on a list of the most dangerous Amazon warehouses in New York. The Clay facility is one of the largest in the world. It has 3.8 million square feet and cost over $350 million to build.
With over 2,139 workers at the site, that would mean over 200 workers were injured on the job.
Liability For Amazon Warehouse Accidents
Amazon has become one of the largest corporations in the United States. It employs an estimated 1.1 million people in the US alone. However, many of these workers are injured every year on the job. According to CBS News, “Amazon uses an electronic system to track its warehouse workers’ productivity, using specialized software, handheld scanning devices and other tools to track the time it takes employees to complete their duties. According to the survey, that system contributes to the pressure some workers feel to work faster, making them more likely to suffer injuries or experience burnout, the researchers said.” Amazon warehouse workers tend to suffer many different types of injuries.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: Back injuries, shoulder strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis.
- Sprains and Strains: These types of injuries may occur from lifting heavy objects.
- Slips, Trips and Falls: Warehouse workers face hazards posed by wet surfaces and uneven floors.
- Crush Injuries: A worker may be injured after being caught in or between heavy objects or machinery.
- Heat Stress: Amazon workers have been exposed to warehouses without adequate climate control protocols. This can be dangerous, especially during the summer months.
Workers are protected by a number of rights in New York. A worker may have recourse for an accident under New York Labor Law § 200. This statute codifies an employer’s general duty to maintain job sites in a safe condition. According to the statute, “All machinery, equipment, and devices in such places shall be so placed, operated, guarded, and lighted as to provide reasonable and adequate protection to all such persons.” There are also labor laws that specifically deal with gravity-related accidents, including falls.
Commonly referred to as the “Scaffold Law” New York State Labor Law § 240 imposes strict liability on construction companies, contractors, and building owners when a worker falls or is hit by a falling object. Falls are nearly always preventable in a workplace setting. Workers should be given personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) when they are working at heights of 6 feet or higher. It is important that a number of measures are taken after any workplace accident.
- Workers should seek medical care as early as possible.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- An experienced personal injury attorney should be contacted.
Amazon has demonstrated time and time again that they will do everything in their power to squeeze every last ounce of efficiency out of their workers. But in far too many instances, this leads to workers sustaining very serious injuries or burning out. Some of these workers won’t be able to return. They will then be replaced by new workers for the cycle to start over again. It is important for Amazon workers to understand that they do have rights. Any person who is injured on the job in New York may be able to seek aid through a civil claim.
Investigating Warehouse Accidents In Clay, New York
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the workers injured at the Amazon distribution center in Clay. The report of workplace injuries at this location remains deeply concerning. Amazon needs to do the right thing and take additional measures to ensure that their workers are protected from injuries and hazards.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured while working at the Amazon distribution center in Clay? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they deserve under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
