OSHA and Amazon Reach Settlement to Improve Worker Safety

In a significant move to enhance workplace safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Amazon have reached a corporate-wide settlement to address hazardous working conditions that have led to serious lower back and musculoskeletal disorders among employees at Amazon facilities. This agreement, announced on December 20, 2024, marks the resolution of multiple ergonomics cases against Amazon—the first major multi-site investigation initiated by OSHA in over a decade.

Background of the Settlement

The settlement concludes a legal battle involving ten cases that were set to begin trials before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission between January and June 2025. These cases stemmed from inspections conducted across ten Amazon facilities starting in the summer of 2022.

“This corporate-wide settlement agreement focuses on improving conditions for several hundred thousand Amazon workers nationwide,” stated Douglas L. Parker, Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health. “The agreement requires Amazon to assess ergonomic risks, implement controls to reduce these risks, and provide annual updates. OSHA is committed to monitoring their progress and ensuring compliance.”

Seema Nanda, Solicitor of Labor, emphasized the importance of such settlements. “Corporate-wide agreements protect the most workers and incentivize companies to address systemic issues. This settlement compels Amazon to implement effective ergonomic requirements at its facilities nationwide, with the Department of Labor poised to enforce the agreement if needed.”

Key Terms of the Agreement

The settlement applies to all Amazon fulfillment centers, sortation centers, and delivery stations within federal OSHA’s jurisdiction. It includes several critical components:

• Ergonomic Risk Assessments: Amazon’s corporate ergonomics team must conduct annual ergonomic risk assessments and pilot engineering controls to reduce risks. Each facility will have a Site Ergonomics Lead (SEL) responsible for site-specific risk assessments and the implementation of feasible controls.
• Employee Training and Communication: Amazon must provide ergonomic training to site-level safety staff and employees. Additionally, the company must offer multiple channels, including anonymous options, for workers to report ergonomic concerns and suggest solutions.
• Program Evaluation and Monitoring: Amazon is required to track compliance with its corporate-wide ergonomic program, analyzing training, site assessments, and risk mitigation efforts. OSHA retains the authority to conduct inspections and access relevant documentation to ensure compliance.
• Ergonomic Safety Measures: The agreement highlights safety measures already implemented at some facilities, such as adjustable-height workstations, redesigned packing stations, ergonomic mats, and enhanced job rotation systems.

Financial Penalties and Oversight

Amazon will pay a $145,000 penalty, representing over 90% of the fines assessed by OSHA for ergonomic violations. The agreement also establishes biannual meetings between Amazon and OSHA to review injury trends, pilot projects, and updates to Amazon’s corporate ergonomics program.

Broader Implications

While the agreement spans a two-year term, either party may seek to terminate it after the first year. Additionally, the settlement does not impact an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York into allegations that Amazon has concealed true injury rates and safety hazards at its facilities.

This settlement underscores the importance of corporate accountability in protecting worker health and safety. By addressing systemic issues and fostering collaboration, OSHA and Amazon aim to create safer working environments for the hundreds of thousands of employees who power Amazon’s operations.