$5M Sought for Enhanced Warehouse Worker Safety

TL/DR -

Several labor unions are urging the state Legislature to allocate $5 million in the next budget to improve warehouse worker safety, following data showing they get injured four times more often than other New York workers. A proposal includes mandating safer warehouse designs and annual expert assessments for potential hazards and repair requirements. The proposed bill is in response to high injury rates at large warehouse facilities, notably Amazon's, where about 165 workers sustain serious injury each year at its most dangerous facility.

Push for $5 Million Budget Increase for Warehouse Worker Safety

Labor unions are urging the state Legislature to allocate an additional $5 million in the upcoming FY 2024-2025 budget to enhance warehouse worker safety. This move comes in response to recent data highlighting that warehouse workers experience a four-fold increase in injury rates compared to other New York workers. The goal is to curb neglectful practices and reduce workplace injuries.

Ensuring Safer Warehouse Design and Regular Assessments

Employees and organizations are advocating for the inclusion of legislation in the next budget to mandate safer warehouse designs. Additionally, annual expert assessments would identify potential hazards and necessary repairs. Senate Labor Committee chair Jessica Ramos emphasizes the devastating impact of worker injuries, citing the exploitation by major corporations like Amazon.

Advocacy for Warehouse Worker Safety Bill

The proposed safety bill, backed by Alliance for a Greater New York and several other groups including the Retail Wholesale & Department Store Union and the New York Teamsters, is rallying at the state Capitol. The bill, costing $5 million, is being presented in the wake of Governor Hochul's executive budget proposal.

Amazon Warehouses' High Injury Rates

State Occupational Safety and Health Administration data reveals that Amazon warehouses have the highest injury rates among large warehouse facilities in the state. In particular, the ALB1 distribution center in Schodack reports an injury rate of 18.8 per 100 workers. This means that nearly one in five employees, or about 165 workers, sustain serious injuries annually.

Improved Accountability and Workers’ Safety with New Bill

Supporters of the bill argue that it will ensure employer accountability and prevent negligence, thereby improving warehouse worker safety. Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union President Stuart Appelbaum highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures, especially in Amazon warehouses where the injury rate is exceptionally high.

Amazon Workers’ Injury Rates and Advocacy for Safe Work Environment

Approximately one in 12 workers face injury while working at Amazon facilities, often leading to missed work or job transfers. Ramos stresses the Legislature's responsibility to ensure secure working conditions in warehouses and equipping the Department of Labor with necessary tools to ensure that Amazon upholds its duty as a responsible employer.

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