As e-commerce continues to grow, so does the demand on warehouse and last-mile delivery workers who handle and deliver the goods. This rise in demand has brought a concerning increase in workplace injuries. To better protect these workers, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has evaluated injury trends and issued recommendations to improve safety practices.
The GAO analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data shows that the transportation and warehousing sector had the highest injury rate among all industries in 2022, with 3.8 serious injuries per 100 workers. Many of these injuries lead to missed time at work and workers’ compensation claims.
The most common cause of injury in this sector is overexertion and bodily reaction, which includes strain from lifting, bending, or twisting. These injuries can lead to musculoskeletal disorders that leave workers vulnerable to long-term harm. High physical demand coupled with repetitive tasks increases the likelihood of such injuries, especially as workers push to meet the high productivity standards of the e-commerce industry.
What musculoskeletal disorders are common in warehousing and transport?
Common musculoskeletal disorders in warehousing and transport include:
- Lower back pain: This is often caused by heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or poor posture. Lower back pain is one of the most common issues, especially in roles requiring frequent physical exertion.
- Shoulder injuries: Repetitive reaching, lifting, and carrying can lead to rotator cuff tears, tendonitis, and other shoulder issues.
- Tendonitis: This is typically seen in the wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Tendonitis results from repetitive motion and overuse.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Repetitive hand and wrist motions are common in sorting and packaging. Carpal tunnel syndrome compresses nerves in the wrist and causes numbness and pain.
- Knee strain: Lifting heavy items and frequent bending put stress on the knees, which can lead to meniscus tears and other knee issues.
- Neck strain: Prolonged or awkward postures are often required during lifting or driving and can result in neck strain or stiffness.
- Elbow injuries: Repetitive lifting or pulling can lead to conditions like tennis elbow, causing pain and difficulty with arm movement.
How does OSHA handle ergonomic hazards?
OSHA currently lacks a dedicated ergonomic standard, which complicates enforcement. Instead, the agency relies on its General Duty Clause to cite violations, requiring substantial evidence for ergonomic hazard citations. OSHA once had an ergonomic standard, but it was repealed in 2001 by a Congressional Review Act resolution, which prevents similar regulations from passing without new legislation.
According to GAO findings, OSHA compliance officers encounter specific hurdles when assessing ergonomic hazards, including:
- Difficulties confirming if ergonomic hazards caused injuries listed on forms.
- Limited training on ergonomic hazard assessment.
- Confusion due to outdated ergonomic guidance.
How can OSHA address ergonomic hazards?
The GAO has outlined five recommendations to strengthen OSHA’s response to ergonomic hazards in warehousing and last-mile delivery, including:
- Collect MSD data during inspections to better track injuries.
- Expand ergonomic hazard training for compliance officers.
- Update ergonomic guidance to ensure clarity when identifying and managing hazards.
- Conduct timely follow-ups with workplaces that received ergonomic hazard alerts.
- Evaluate the National Emphasis Program to determine its effectiveness and address any issues.
OSHA has agreed to several GAO recommendations. However, Deputy Assistant Secretary James Frederick noted that changing data collection practices would require revising recordkeeping regulations. This change is marked as a “long-term action” in OSHA’s current regulatory agenda. When addressing ergonomic guidance, OSHA expressed confidence in its general guidance and disagreed with the need for specific guidelines for warehouse and delivery workers. OSHA also disputed GAO’s view that the existing guidance is unclear.
Legal help for injured workers in Mississippi
If you’ve developed a musculoskeletal disorder or some other type of work-related injury, you may face long-term physical pain, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. While you can seek benefits through a workers’ compensation claim, the process in Mississippi isn’t always easy. That’s when an experienced workers’ comp lawyer can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
At Tabor Law Firm, P.A., our team can help you with every aspect of your claim, from completing the workers’ comp form to negotiating for a fair settlement.
With our law firm on your side, you’ll have experienced legal guidance every step of the way. We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Let us help you take the next steps toward getting the workers’ comp benefits you deserve. Contact us online or call our law offices in Ridgeland or Jackson for a free consultation.
“I had an excellent experience with Tabor Law Firm!” – R.C.