NJ Amazon center fined for not reporting work-related injuries

The Amazon fulfillment center in Robbinsville has been fined for failing to report work related injuries to the U.S. Deptartment of Labor.

The complaint said Amazon was fined $7,000 because it did not report 26 injuries between July 1 and Dec. 7, 2015. which included several instances of shoulder and neck injuries and other ergonomic issues. In one case an employee hit her head on the floor after tripping over a cart; in another an employee was hit in the nose by a 15-20 pound box and their wound was glued shut.

“Failure to properly record occupational illnesses and injuries is hazardous to workers. The lack of accurate data can mask patterns of injuries and illnesses that could help uncover conditions with the potential of putting workers at risk,” said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA’s Marlton Area Office. “In addition to keeping accurate records, Amazon should address the potential dangers identified in the hazard-alert letters to ensure the safety and health of its fulfillment center employees.”

Amazon spokesman Aaron Toso said of the fines, “We take safety very seriously, we do not agree with the findings and will be contesting the citation.”

Around 2,500 employees work at the facility located off Route 195 although that number grew to about 5,000 in November and December during the Christmas shopping season.