OSHA opens an investigation on the deadly amazon warehouse collapse in Illinois. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have opened an investigation into the collapse of an Amazon warehouse in Illinois that left six people dead.
The damage was caused by a tornado that swept through the area Friday evening, leaving a path of destruction across three states.
In addition to the six people that were reported killed at the Amazon warehouse, 45 were rescued, according to The New York Times.
They also reported that local authorities had some difficulty determining how many people were in the facility at the time since many who work out of the warehouse are contractors for other companies.
OSHA Opens Investigation on the Deadly Amazon Warehouse Collapse in Illinois
“OSHA investigates all workplace fatalities and we are supporting them,” Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in an email to The Verge.
As first reported by CNBC, OSHA will have six months to complete its investigation, issue any citations, and propose penalties if the agency determines safety or health regulations were violated.
Former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said in a tweet on Saturday that his “thoughts and prayers” were with the families of the workers who died. “All of Edwardsville should know that the Amazon team is committed to supporting them and will be by their side through this crisis,” Bezos tweeted.
OSHA
With the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
Provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and comply with standards, rules, and regulations issued under the OSH Act.
Examine workplace conditions to make sure they conform to applicable OSHA standards. Make sure employees have and use safe tools and equipment and properly maintain this equipment.
Final words
Congress created OSHA to assure safe and healthful conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and compliance assistance.
Under the OSHA law, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their workers.
