Amazon Warehouse Collapse Raises Questions on Phone Ban at Work

A 1.1 million-square-foot Amazon warehouse that collapsed in Edwardsville, Illinois was among the many buildings hit by a collection of lethal tornadoes on Friday that swept throughout six states, killing dozens of individuals. The tragedy has put Amazon below scrutiny for purportedly not permitting its warehouse staff to have their cell telephones with them at work.

A Bloomberg report printed on Sunday offered a glimpse of worker sentiment in regards to the firm’s cellular phone ban after the incident in Edwardsville, which killed at least six Amazon warehouse staff. The outlet spoke to 5 Amazon workers, a few of whom work in an organization facility throughout the road from the Edwardsville warehouse, who stated they need to have the ability to obtain details about lethal climate occasions via their smartphones.

The Edwardsville warehouse had its roof ripped off by a twister, which prompted its 11-inch thick concrete partitions to break down on themselves. At least 45 Amazon staff made it out safely from the rubble, Reuters reported. The warehouse employs roughly 190 staff throughout a number of shifts, Amazon stated.

According to Bloomberg, Amazon has prohibited workers from carrying their telephones with them and requires them to depart the units of their automobiles or work lockers. The firm loosened its coverage throughout the pandemic, the outlet reported, however has been slowly reinstating the ban in services all through the U.S.

An unnamed employee from one other Amazon facility in Illinois informed Bloomberg that having their telephone with them on the warehouse ground would permit them to contact their family members or emergency responders in the event that they develop into trapped after an excessive climate occasion.

“After these deaths, there is no way in hell I am relying on Amazon to keep me safe,” the employee stated. “If they institute the no cell phone policy, I am resigning.”

A employee at an Amazon warehouse in Indiana echoed the issues about security. She informed Bloomberg she doesn’t go into work when Amazon decides to maintain the warehouse open when probably excessive climate occasions are forecast. After consulting details about the climate on her telephone, she decides whether or not to make use of paid day without work to remain dwelling.

“I don’t trust them with my safety to be quite frank,” the worker stated. “If there’s severe weather on the way, I think I should be able to make my own decision about safety.”

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel informed Gizmodo on Sunday that the corporate was persevering with to supply assist to its crew in Edwardsville.

“We’re deeply saddened by the news that members of our Amazon family passed away as a result of the storm in Edwardsville, IL,” Nantel stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by the tornado. We also want to thank all the first responders for their ongoing efforts on scene. We’re continuing to provide support to our employees and partners in the area.”

Amazon added that it was offering assist to the Edwardsville group and would donate $1 million to the Edwardsville Community Foundation. The firm can also be reaching out to the households of the warehouse staff killed throughout the collapse and offering first responders with lodging and scorching meals.

When requested by Gizmodo whether or not it will contemplate altering its no cellular phone coverage for warehouse staff in mild of utmost climate occasions, the corporate stated that workers and drivers are allowed to have their cell telephones. We requested for additional clarification about whether or not workers and drivers are allowed to have their cell telephones with them on the warehouse ground, however didn’t obtain a response by the point of publication. We’ll be sure that to replace this weblog if we hear again.

In addition to issues in regards to the accessibility of cell telephones, others have additionally questioned Amazon’s emergency protocols and infrastructure. Warehouse Workers for Justice, an Illinois nonprofit devoted to serving to warehouse staff receive dignified and secure jobs that present livable wages, in a statement on Saturday referred to as on Illinois legislators to carry a listening to on Amazon’s security practices in its services.

“Because of Amazon’s poor record of worker safety in the relentless pursuit of profit, we call on Illinois legislators to convene a hearing to ensure all Amazon facilities are places of safety for workers and that no family has to worry whether or not their loved ones will make it home from work after an extreme weather event,” Warehouse Workers for Justice stated.

Amazon informed Gizmodo that workers on the web site acquired twister warnings via varied alerts. It stated that its crew labored rapidly to make sure that as many workers and companions as potential may get to the designated shelter in place.