NEW REPORT: Warehouse and Delivery Worker Injuries Rise 20 Percent

10.08.24

NEW REPORT: Warehouse and Delivery Worker Injuries Rise 20 Percent

The serious injury rate of general warehousing and delivery driving rose over 20 percent from 2018-2022.

WASHINGTON - Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report which found that warehouse workers and delivery drivers are suffering more severe on-the-job injuries as a result of America's rapidly expanding consumer economy and a lack of adequate workforce protections.

Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), Committee on Education and the Workforce, requested the report.

The GAO details how the transportation and warehousing sector- which includes e-commerce warehouses and last-mile delivery- had the highest serious injury and illness rate of all 19 sectors in 2022, with an estimated 3.8 cases per 100 workers. The report further documents that warehouse and delivery workers were nearly twice as likely to sustain significant injuries at work from overexertion resulting in back strains or dislocated shoulders rather than by contact with equipment or objects.

"Today's GAO report shows how workers who keep the American economy moving - the people who work in general warehousing and last-mile delivery- are getting seriously hurt on the job at rates that outpace most other industries. These are the kinds of serious injuries that can leave workers disabled and in chronic pain," said Ranking Member Scott.

"The report details the consequences of weak worker protections and years of undercutting OSHA's ability to do its job and protect workers from preventable hazards. Inadequate protections are not just bad for workers. When workers are hurt on the job, it is bad for business and the economy. Congress must pass the LET'S Protect Workers Act which will responsibly raise civil monetary penalties to deter unscrupulous employers from violating workers' rights and ensure that workers can return home safely at the end of a shift," Ranking MemberScott continued.

Years of Republican-led funding cuts have undermined the mission of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from being the nation's main defense against unsafe working conditions. Moving forward, GAO Congress must not turn its back on workers and ensure OSHA has the resources to improve safety conditions for all workers.

Moreover, while OSHA has increased its efforts to prevent hazards in the warehouse and delivery industries, GAO noted that the agency has difficulty identifying and addressing ergonomic hazards, which causes the most significant injuries. In the report, the GAO to made five recommendations for OSHA to improve its injury data, training, and guidance on ergonomic hazards, and evaluate its inspection program.

To read the full report entitled, "OSHA Should Take Steps to Better Identify and Address Ergonomic Hazards at Warehouses and Delivery Companies," click here.

To learn more about the LET'S Protect Workers Act, click here.

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