Factory work can be physically grueling. Although many strides in safety training have been made over the years, factory and manufacturing work still leads in frequency of workplace injuries. It is no wonder that Amazon warehouse workers are susceptible to injury. It may be surprising to learn that Amazon workers are injured at a higher rate than similar companies.
A study by the Strategic Organizing Center (SOC), which is organized by labor unions, found that Amazon warehouse workers are subjected to an almost 80 percent higher serious injury rate than those of Amazon’s competitors, which translates to almost six serious injuries out of every 100 workers. The SOC defines “serious injury” as any injury that causes an employee to miss work or be placed on restricted duty.
The SOC found that Amazon’s closest competitor, Walmart, reported only three serious injury cases for every 100 employees, compared to Amazon’s six serious injuries out of every 100 employees. These injuries translate to an average of over 46 days a year that Amazon’s, which is a week longer than the average.
It is worse at Amazon warehouses in Pennsylvania, where the reported serious injuries are over seven for every 100 employees. In fact, Pennsylvania’s facilities are worse than any of the surrounding states for the frequency of serious injuries.
The injuries suffered at Amazon’s warehouses are serious and can lead to lost time at work and even permanent disability. These injuries include repetitive motion stress injuries to the shoulders, neck, back, and hands. There are reported head and spinal injuries, broken bones, and other severe and even fatal injuries.
What Are Some Factory Worker Injuries?
There are many hazards a factory worker faces. Many hours a day on your feet performing the same repetitive motion can wreak havoc on the human body. There are also the dangers of falling objects, slipping hazards, and malfunctioning equipment that can lead to any number of injuries. Here are the most common injuries factory workers are in danger of:
- Chemical burn: Manufacturing goods require different chemicals in its process. If mishandled, chemicals can cause serious injuries like burns or respiratory problems.
- Crushing injuries: Factory workers are around heavy machinery and objects all the time, but with that they face crushing injuries, broken bones or fractures in the event that the equipment malfunctions.
- Falling objects: Many products or objects in factories are placed up high and will likely cause an injury should anything fall.
- Overexertion: Many factory workers are under an enormous amount of stress as they work to meet demands of the consumer. Overexertion with movements, like twisting and lifting, can cause musculoskeletal problems that can also lead to disability.
- Repetitive movement-induced strain: One of the most common of factory work injuries, repetitive movement can take a toll on the human body over a period of time. Repetitive movements can cause sprains or strains to the muscles, and can even cause deterioration to soft tissue.
- Slips and falls: Slips and falls are the most common workplace injuries regardless of industry.
- Vehicles: In a fast-paced factory environment, vehicles like forklifts can be especially dangerous. Large stacks of products are moved constantly with forklifts, and could they fall over and crush an employee.
The West Chester Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich & Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Help Injured Factory Workers Recover Compensation
If you are a warehouse worker who has suffered an injury at work, then you need a trusted legal team by your side. Our West Chester workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich & Sweeney & Ryan, LLC can help. Call us today at 610-594-1600 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. From our offices located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.