Senate Investigation Reveals Amazon Prime Day Leads to Surge in Worker Injuries

Money | July 16, 2024, 10:24 a.m.

Amazon Prime Day, a 48-hour discount extravaganza, is under scrutiny as a leading cause of worker injuries, reveals a Senate probe. The Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee released interim findings of a yearlong investigation into Amazon's warehouse conditions amidst the Prime Day sale. Shockingly, internal data from Prime Day 2019 showed a total injury rate of nearly 45 injuries per 100 workers, affecting almost half of the workforce. Senator Bernie Sanders condemned Amazon for disregarding worker safety, calling for change. The report highlighted understaffing during peak seasons, jeopardizing worker safety. Amazon defended its progress in improving safety, citing a reduction in incident rates. With ongoing investigations and criticism, Amazon faces pressure to enhance workplace conditions. Despite investments in safety initiatives, the company's practices continue to be scrutinized for their impact on workers. The debate over automation in warehouses remains a topic of contention.