GMB union slams Amazon for ‘shameful’ number of injuries at UK sites
More than a thousand serious injuries at Amazon UK sites have been reported to health and safety bodies since 2016, according to the GMB union.
It says that 294 were reported in the financial year 2020/21, up from 231 the year before. This compared to 139 in 2016/17.
The true figure could be much higher, the GMB reckons, noting that not all local authorities responded to its FOI survey.
Amazon sites with the most reported injuries over the last five years include Coalville (95), Dunfermline (93), and Manchester Sunbank Lane (87). Central Bedfordshire had the most of any local authority (135).
Local authority inspection reports obtained by GMB reveal multiple areas of concern, including: injuries to workers, unsafe working conditions, Covid-19 concerns, and poor health and safety record keeping or a lack of compliance with inspectors.
Separate new figures obtained by the union show that more than a thousand ambulance callouts were also made over the same period – and that callouts rose by 56% during the pandemic (between 2019/20 and 2020/21).
This included multiple falls, traumatic injuries, and cases of Covid-19.
Mick Rix, GMB National Officer, says: “More than a thousand serious injuries at Amazon sites is a shameful statistic and one that the company must address urgently – and the true picture is probably worse.”
“Our investigations have now built up years’ worth of evidence and there can be no denying Amazon warehouse are currently dangerous, dehumanising places to work.”
He adds: “We will be writing to the Health and Safety Executive to set out our findings - it is time for a proper external audit and investigation of working conditions at this highly profitable company.”
“It’s time Amazon stopped burying its head in the sand, met with GMB and worked out how to make Amazon a great, safe place to work.”
“Critics who aren’t interested in facts or progress”
An Amazon spokesperson told RTIH: “Once again, our critics are using incomplete information that’s without context and designed to intentionally mislead.”
“We know we’re not perfect and are continuing to get better every day, but the fact is that Amazon has 40% fewer injuries on average compared to other transportation and warehousing businesses in the UK.”
“The vast majority of ambulance call outs to our buildings are related to pre-existing conditions, not work-related incidents, and as a responsible employer we will always call an ambulance if someone requires medical attention.”
“Rather than arguing with critics who aren’t interested in facts or progress, we’re going to keep listening to our 55,000 employees, taking their feedback, and working hard to keep investing and improving for the long run.”
