Amazon faces government fine for workplace injuries

Amazon.com failed to report at least 26 work-related illnesses and injuries in a New Jersey warehouse last year, a federal agency said, the latest indication that low-wage employees who rush to fetch online orders often bear the pain of the speedy, convenient delivery of goods.

The Seattle-based Web retailer faces a $7,000 fine and demands to change its warehouse work environment, according to a citation. The action stems from a July inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that concluded Amazon failed to report workplace injuries, exposed employees to amputation risks and didn’t provide protective gear.

Medical personnel hired by Amazon also provided services beyond their expertise when tending to workers’ medical needs.

An Amazon spokesman couldn’t be reached for comment.

Bloomberg News

This story was originally published January 12, 2016 at 2:52 PM with the headline "Amazon faces government fine for workplace injuries."