Ambulances Called Out Hundreds of Times to UK Amazon Sites
- GMB investigation reveals poor conditions and treatment of workers in Amazon warehouses
- Ambulances called out 600 times to 14 Amazon warehouses in the last three financial years
- 87% of GMB members working at Amazon warehouses report constant or occasional pain due to workload
- Woman forced to work while pregnant despite medical concerns
- Amazon Rugeley site has high number of ambulance call outs and pregnancy issues
An investigation by the GMB trade union has uncovered poor working conditions and treatment of staff at Amazon warehouses, with ambulances being called out over 600 times in the last three financial years. In many cases, workers were taken to hospitals. At Amazon’s Rugeley site in Staffordshire, there were 115 calls, including instances of electrocution, unconsciousness, and pregnancy-related issues. A survey found that 87% of GMB members working at Amazon warehouses experience constant or occasional pain due to their workload. One pregnant worker was reportedly forced to stand for her entire shift despite medical concerns. Mick Rix, GMB national officer, expressed disappointment in Amazon’s lack of improvement since a previous report in 2014 and called on the company to treat staff with respect.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides information from a trade union investigation and includes statistics on ambulance callouts to Amazon warehouses, as well as quotes from GMB members and officers. However, it does not include any direct counterarguments or alternative perspectives from Amazon.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about working conditions and treatment of workers in Amazon warehouses, including specific examples and evidence from an investigation by the trade union GMB. It holds Amazon accountable for their practices and raises concerns about worker safety and well-being.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Amazon’s stock price and reputation
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses poor working conditions and health issues in Amazon warehouses, which could potentially impact the company’s financial performance and public perception, affecting its stock price and business operations.
Presence Of Extreme Event: Yes
Nature Of Extreme Event: Major Accident
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Severe
Extreme Rating Justification: The extreme event is the poor treatment of workers and dangerous conditions in Amazon warehouses, leading to multiple ambulance call-outs and health issues for employees.
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