Workplace health and safety
/Amazon has been in the news concerning its unsafe working conditions, including rates of safety incidents far above those of its competitors, such as Walmart and Costco. State labor regulators have alleged that working at Amazon exposes employees to increased risk of ergonomic injury and musculoskeletal disorders as they awkwardly bend and twist to move goods through the warehouse. According to a December 2024 report of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, at least two internal Amazon studies found a link between how quickly its warehouse workers perform tasks and workplace injuries, but the company rejected many safety recommendations out of concern that the proposed changes might reduce productivity. Shareholder resolutions at Amazon in 2022, 2023, and 2024 focused on this potentially harmful conduct, asking the company to report on worker health and safety and the treatment of its warehouse workers.
Consistent support above 30% over three years shows significant investor concern. Amazon has responded by reinforcing its existing safety narrative, highlighting improvements, opposing external audits, and publicly disputing federal findings. The outcome underscores both the influence and ongoing limitations of shareholder-driven engagement at the company.
For NPR’s coverage of the issue, please check here.