Parliamentary inquiry demanded into 'hellish' working conditions at Amazon

Bosses as GMB Union are calling for the government to launch a review into the working conditions at Amazon amid reports of hundreds of workers being injured at its warehouses.
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Amazon, which has warehouses in Sheffield and Doncaster, is the focus of criticism over its working conditions following a GMB Union investigation that revealed the company’s UK operations have been hit by more than 600 serious injuries or near misses in the past three years.

The figures are the result of Freedom of Information Act requests submitted by GMB to local authorities across the UK.

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They show that 622 reports were made from Amazon warehouses to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) between 2016 and 2019, with the number rising year on year.

Amazon. INA FASSBENDER/DPA/AFP via Getty ImagesAmazon. INA FASSBENDER/DPA/AFP via Getty Images
Amazon. INA FASSBENDER/DPA/AFP via Getty Images

240 were reported in 2019 alone.

However the figures deal with a period during which the number of warehouses run by Amazon more than doubled since, to 22 today from 10 in 2015.

Mick Rix, GMB National Officer, said: “Amazon are spending millions on PR campaigns trying to persuade people its warehouses are great places to work.

“But the facts are there for all to see – things are getting worse.

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“Hundreds of stricken Amazon workers are needing urgent medical attention. Conditions are hellish.

“We’ve tried over and over again to get Amazon to talk to use to try and improve safety for workers. But enough is enough – it’s now time for a full parliamentary inquiry.”

Workplace injuries must be severe enough to prevent someone from performing their usual work for at least seven days in order to be reported to the HSE.

A specified list of such injuries includes fractures, amputation, crushing, scalping and burning.

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A spokesman for Amazon said: "Amazon is a safe place to work. Yet again, our critics seem determined to paint a false picture of what it's like to work for Amazon. They repeat the same sensationalised allegations time and time again.

"Our doors are open to the public, to politicians, and indeed to anyone who truly wants to see the modern, innovate and, most importantly, safe environment we provide to our people."