The US Department of Labor in Amazon is investigating 6 deaths caused by a hurricane that hit its facilities

Posted:

December 15, 2021 02:40 GMT

“OSHA has six months to complete its investigation, issue citations and propose financial penalties if violations of workplace safety or health standards are discovered,” said Scott Allen, a spokesperson for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an investigation Monday to determine the possible responsibility of Amazon in the deaths of at least Six employeesVictims of a tornado that struck the delivery station of that company in the city of Edwardsville (Illinois, USA).

OSHA has six months To complete their investigations, issue citations, and propose financial penalties in the event of violations of workplace safety or health standards,” mentioned Organization spokesperson, Scott Allen. “No other information will be available until the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has completed its investigation,” he added.

Company workers reported that they had little or no preparation for this type of situation. In addition, they accused the management of not reporting on time and banning the use of cell phones at work stations.

RT was able to speak with a former Amazon employee, Lee Ann Webster, who reported it to administrative staff Not prepared to deal with emergencies. Labor attorney Lynn Burnaby noted that Illinois has no legislation protecting workers in dangerous situations.

For its part, the company admitted that there are no such standards but attributed The tragedy that occurred last Friday, just before the Meteorological Service announced the arrival of the natural phenomenon. Amazon said its employees reacted quickly to ensure a safe haven for as many people as possible.

“There was a tremendous effort that night To keep everyone safesaid John Felton, senior vice president of global delivery services at Amazon.

Despite best efforts, the tornado destroyed the sides of the warehouse and its roof collapsed. Apart from the deaths, one person was left “seriously injured”, who was taken to hospital, while 45 workers were able to save them. There were no reports of missing persons.