According to new federal data, they have been harmed more frequently and more severely in recent years. Additionally, they recorded more than one injury for every nine employees in 2023, more than twice the national average for warehouse workers.
Labor activists are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a measure requiring warehouses to create plans to keep workers safe. E-commerce has fueled the industry’s explosive expansion, adding tens of thousands of jobs around the state in recent years. After being given the legislation on Thursday, Hochul has ten days to either sign or veto it—let it become law without signing it.
Nearly half of all warehouse injuries are caused by “ergonomic hazards,” which demand someone to assume an awkward position, repeat a move, or take insufficient breaks. The legislation attempts to solve these issues.
The Alliance for a Greater New York, the Retail, Wholesale, Department Store Union, and some Teamster residents are among the labor organizations and unions supporting it.