The Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched an investigation after a storm ripped through the facility in December, killing six workers and injuring several others. Amazon stated at the time that the facility met all construction regulations and that proper safety procedures were followed when the tornado struck. However, several employees told Bloomberg that training for such events was minimal, consisting mostly of pointing out emergency exits and assembly points.
These concerns were echoed in an OSHA report issued on Tuesday. According to the agency, a bullhorn that was supposed to be used to alert workers to take cover was locked in a cage and was inaccessible. During interviews with investigators, some employees claimed they had no recollection of ever participating in emergency drills and claimed they took refuge in a bathroom on the south side of the building rather than the designated restrooms on the north side.
OSHA did not impose any fines because emergency safety plans are recommended rather than required. The agency did, however, urge Amazon to review and improve its emergency procedures.
"These tragic deaths have sparked nationwide debate about the critical need for comprehensive workplace emergency plans," said William Donovan, OSHA's regional administrator in Chicago. "Employers should re-evaluate their emergency plans for the safest shelter-in-place locations and prepare ahead of time to ensure workers know where to go and how to stay safe in the event of a disaster."
When a string of tornadoes ripped through six states, leaving a trail of destruction that stretched more than 200 miles, the warehouse in Edwardsville, near St. Louis, was damaged. The twister hit during Amazon's busy holiday shopping season, prompting outcries from employees who have long accused the company of prioritizing product delivery over their safety and well-being.
According to Amazon spokeswoman Kelly Nantel, warehouse managers did their best in the face of the sudden and severe storm.
"Employees are given emergency response training, which is reinforced throughout the year," she explained. "OSHA's investigation found no violations or reasons for citations, but we're always looking to innovate and improve our safety measures, and we've already begun conducting additional safety and emergency preparedness drills at our sites, and we will carefully consider any OSHA recommendation that we haven't already."