Amazon says that worker safety is one of its top priorities. Many workers and worker advocates, perhaps including some in Alaska, reportedly disagree with that assertion. They say the company enforces abusive delivery production demands that place Amazon drivers at great risk for work injuries that result from motor vehicle collisions.
Along with Amazon drivers, workers at delivery or sorting centers have seen escalating work injury rates in the past year. One startling statistic shows that, in 2021, one out of every five Amazon drivers suffered an on-the-job injury. At least one of seven of those affected were so severely injured that they could not return to their duties, either temporarily or permanently.
Amazon says it has taken steps to improve safety
Company representatives at Amazon say the company has been proactive in promoting safety among its employees. Worker advocates say that Amazon’s statements do not align with current data, which shows a 38% increase in worker injuries at the company within the past year. The most recent data shows that rate of injury for drivers has soared upwards of 47% in that same amount of time.
The priority in a workplace accident is to provide support to workers
If an Alaska worker (at Amazon or any other company) suffers injury in a motor vehicle collision on the job or another type of workplace accident, the primary concern in the immediate aftermath of the incident is the health and well-being of the worker. Severe injuries often require time off work during recovery. Of course, some workers’ injuries are so severe that they cannot return to work. It is critical for a worker to know how to navigate the workers’ compensation system and also to know that additional support resources are available for all options for legal recourse.
