Amazon's Footprint on Pennsylvania's Workforce

Amazon has rapidly increased its distribution footprint in the greater Philadelphia region over the last few years. The e-commerce giant currently has as many as 57 warehouses and buildings already operational or under construction across the region. In 2020, Amazon doubled down on its expansion plans for Philadelphia and started hiring tens of thousands of workers for its warehouse network in the metropolitan area.

While this unprecedented hiring spree is welcome for the region's economy and employment prospects, it also increases the risk of warehouse injuries for workers. It is vital to assess the impact of Amazon's footprint in Philadelphia in terms of workplace safety and ensure that injured workers' right to compensation is fully protected.

Slip & Fall Injury Risks

Workers operating in large Amazon warehouses face the risk of injury if they slip or trip on the floor surface, or fall from upper levels, walkways, and docks. Heavy objects falling from an elevated surface can also strike warehouse workers, causing serious injuries.

What Should Employers Do – Employers must keep the warehouse free of clutter and debris. If hoses or wiring pose a hazard on walkways or ramps, protectors should be used to cover the equipment. For drop-offs higher than four feet, employers should install railings around walkways or docks located next to them.

Repetitive Stress Injury Risks

Amazon warehouse workers in Philadelphia are exposed to the risk of repetitive stress injury syndrome and musculoskeletal disorders. Excessive physical exertion and repetitive awkward motions may also cause joint and muscle strains and knee or back injuries. Incorrect lifting practices and ergonomically faulty designs are often the cause of repetitive stress injuries in warehouses.

What Should Employers Do – Employers must inform, educate, and train warehouse workers about correct lifting techniques and ergonomic postures. Amazon and similar distributors should design warehouses in a way that reduces manual lifting requirements. Automated lifting devices for heavy equipment should be used where possible to reduce the risk of injuries from overexertion.

Equipment Related Injury Risks

While the use of warehouse equipment, robotics, and automation is essential, it also poses the risk of injuries if equipment is defective or the operator has inadequate training or experience. Forklift accidents lead to thousands of warehouse injuries in Philadelphia and elsewhere year after year. The use of power tools, hand trucks, conveyor belts, and compactors can also cause injuries in warehouses.

What Should Employers Do – Employers should put in place appropriate operating procedures and provide the necessary employee training for the safe use of equipment. They should also provide protective gear, such as goggles and helmets, to minimize the risk of head and eye injuries for potentially hazardous tasks in the warehouse.

Tips for Workers to Stay Safe in the Warehouse

• Review the Training Material: Workers in Philadelphia warehouses should proactively seek equipment certification and formal training to reduce the risk of workplace injuries. They should carefully review and follow the training material provided by their employer.
• Ask Questions & Clear Doubts: Whenever something in the instruction manual, warning label, or a training program is unclear, workers should feel free to ask questions. They should never proceed with a potentially hazardous task if they have a doubt or confusion.
• Know Your Surroundings: Familiarity with the workplace makes a key difference to employee safety in warehouses. Awareness of areas where heavy equipment is in use, lighting is low, or objects and obstructions are in the way can help prevent accidents.

Legal Advice from a Dedicated Workers' Comp Lawyer in PA

In Pennsylvania, warehouse workers employed by Amazon or other companies who suffer injuries while on the job have a right to obtain workers' compensation. Robinson Law LLC is a respected workers' compensation law firm in PA committed to protecting the rights of injured workers. If you get injured on the job with Amazon or another employer, you know who to call.