What protects Amazon warehouse workers after a slip-and-fall?

Working for Amazon can be an excellent opportunity. Warehouse employees receive competitive wages and benefits. They may have advancement opportunities if they retain their jobs and meet performance metrics for long enough.

Unfortunately, consistently adhering to company standards can be very challenging. Warehouse employees have to move relatively rapidly to meet Amazon’s expectations regarding their overall productivity. Anyone rushing in the workplace, even if they have protective/nonslip footwear, could be at risk of slipping and falling. Slip-and-falls can cause soft tissue injuries, broken bones and brain injuries that leave workers unable to safely perform their jobs until they improve.

The risk in Amazon warehouses may actually be higher than people realize, as federal investigations indicate widespread underreporting of workplace injuries. Instead of trying to cope with injuries after a slip-and-fall, Amazon warehouse workers may need to report the matter and request benefits.

Workers’ compensation should be available

Direct-hire employees injured on the job usually have the option of filing a workers’ compensation claim. They report the incident to management and seek medical care. The documentation provided by the physician may recommend on-the-job accommodations or a treatment plan that might require a leave of absence from work. Workers’ compensation can pay for not just care but also for a portion of the wages workers do not earn while they are recovering from a slip-and-fall injury.

Amazon shouldn’t retaliate against workers

No matter how large a company is, it should conform to federal and state regulations regarding worker rights. Employees have the protected right to report on-the-job incidents and to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Those with disabling medical conditions, even if they are temporary injuries, generally also have the right to request accommodations in the workplace.

Amazon should not punish workers by demoting them or threatening them with termination because they require a leave of absence or less demanding job tasks until they recover. Unfortunately, workers often feel so frightened about retaliation that they may not report the incident or seek the benefits that they deserve.

Reviewing an incident report and medical records with a workers’ compensation attorney could help injured Amazon warehouse workers assert themselves. A successful workers’ compensation claim can help employees get the care they require and protect their jobs until they can return to full functionality after a slip-and-fall.

The attorneys at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca represent Amazon workers who have been serious injured on-the-job. Call 312-724-5846 or send us an email to request  a free consultation. We serve all of Illinois.