Judge Stephen Pfeifer of the state Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals dismissed four citations issued by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). This ruling comes more than a year after Amazon and L&I went to court. Pfeifer found that Amazon’s health and safety programs were robust and that L&I’s evidence was unpersuasive.
L&I had accused Amazon of unsafe working conditions in warehouses in DuPont, Kent, and Sumner, citing risks from repetitive motions and fast-paced work. The department claimed Amazon willfully neglected worker safety, but Pfeifer found no substantial link between high injury rates and specific jobs at Amazon warehouses, or that the pace of work at Amazon was hazardous. Consequently, Amazon avoids paying an $81,000 fine and potential operational changes.
This ruling sets a precedent in workplace safety regulations and enforcement within the state. The case highlights the scrutiny faced by large employers and the importance of maintaining rigorous health and safety protocols. WR members can observe this outcome to understand the regulatory landscape and the potential implications for their operations. As Amazon faces ongoing investigations and appeals, the decision underscores the complex relationship between regulatory bodies and major employers in Washington.
