Warehouse workers face many dangers daily. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of warehouse injuries reported and recorded in 2019 was 4.8 for every 100 full-time workers. Warehouse injuries accounted for nearly 8% of 2.7 million workplace injuries recorded that year alone.
Many workers get injured while attempting to meet high quotas and unrealistic productivity demands. In some cases, workers are unaware of what their quotas are and companies penalize workers for taking meal and bathroom breaks. California’s recently passed law may help protect warehouse workers and ensure they have the rights they deserve.
What does the new law mean?
Under the new legislation, employers cannot punish workers for taking their meal and restroom breaks. Furthermore, employers cannot retaliate against workers who fail to meet their quotas or claim to be overworked. According to CBS News, employees also have the right to take their case to court if they need to seek relief from companies that do not follow the law. The state’s labor commission can access workers’ compensation information and issue citations if needed.
How does it protect workers?
At some warehouses, workers put their health and wellbeing at risk to keep their jobs. Common warehouse injuries include the following:
- Slip and falls
- Falling from heights or forklifts
- Improper use of heavy machinery or machine malfunctions
- Falling objects
- Ergonomic strains and sprains
Employee fatigue is a major cause of accidents, as well as lack of adequate tools and unsafe working environments. When workers are injured or killed as a result of a companies negligence, they have a right to compensation.