Amazon Launches Program to Improve Employees’ Health and Safety
Amazon has announced the launch of WorkingWell, a comprehensive program providing employees with physical and mental activities, wellness exercises and healthy eating support that the company says are “scientifically proven to help them recharge and reenergize, and ultimately reduce the risk of injury.”
The program is part of the company’s investment of more than $300 million into safety projects in 2021, and its mission to be “Earth’s Safest Place to Work.” Aspects of WorkingWell piloted in the U.S. in 2019, and the program has since expanded to 859,000 employees at 350 sites in North America and Europe. By the end of 2021, WorkingWell is expected to cover all of Amazon’s operations network in the U.S. with the aim of cutting recordable incident rates by 50% by 2025.
Amazon reports that about 40% of its work-related injuries are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which include sprains or strains caused by repetitive motions. Pilots of the WorkingWell program have reduced these injuries, and have had a positive impact on regular day-to-day activities for employees outside of work. The program — along with other company initiatives focused on early MSD prevention — helped decrease MSD-related injuries by 32% from 2019 to 2020, according to the company.
One component of the WorkingWell initiative that has proven effective for the company is the use of Health & Safety Huddles. These daily meetings engage employees on strong body mechanics, wellness topics and ongoing safety education. Amazon reports that last year, during its pilot phase,the huddles contributed to reducing MSD-related injuries and received nearly 90% positive feedback from surveyed employees.
To learn more, visit: www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/meet-employees-behind-amazons-new-health-and-wellness-program.
