Unsafe Work Conditions in the Best of Companies

A British newspaper investigation is drawing attention to a worldwide problem with working conditions in factories owned and run by Amazon, and unsafe practices the company utilizes regarding their delivery drivers. Amazon is one of the largest corporations in the United States. Despite the massive profits, the company stands accused of overworking employees.

Amazon has a long history of accusations of exploiting workers, with factory workers lodging complaints against the company almost since it was founded in the late 1990s. As the volume of sales and packages has increased, more and more work is required, especially during the holiday season.

According to the British paper, some Amazon employees are required to deliver 200 packages a day, with no time set aside for any type of breaks, including opportunities to eat or use the restroom. This is partially due to how Amazon has semi-outsourced deliveries, requiring drivers to bid with the company to deliver items on a contract basis. Without the protection of hourly wages, the drivers are pushed to dangerous extremes.

Not only is this bad business, but it is also a dangerous business. As has long been established with long-haul truck drivers, overworking people who are operating motor vehicles drastically increases the risk of accidents. Having overworked, underpaid Amazon contract delivery drivers speeding on icy streets this time of year is a recipe for disaster.

If you or someone you love has suffered due to unsafe work conditions, please consult with an experienced attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you identify work rules that are dangerous and illegal, and that put you and others at risk. Holding corporations accountable for their actions is the only way to begin to address the dangerous conditions affecting so many American workers.