Breaking bones to break sales targets

The Health and Safety Executive’s frequent involvement in Amazon’s fulfilment centre at Dunfermline is a sobering reminder of the burden placed on employees of the online retail giant.

There have been 75 serious health and safety incidents, including head knocks resulting in concussion, broken bones and cuts.

Accidents happen in any workplace but a rate higher than one every three weeks seems too much.

It has certainly got the unions and local politicians keenly interested in the workings of the sprawling plant at the edge of the M90.

The business is no stranger to criticism over its working practices.

This paper recently reported employees at its Dundee centre had worked in sub-zero conditions.

At Christmas-time, it was forced to defend itself against claims workers were left without time for water breaks due to the target-driven culture.

The so-called gig economy leaves workers with little protection and employers such as Amazon seem eager to take advantage of this.

The festive season, with dates such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is approaching and the pressure will grow.

While no laws are being broken, it is right that pressure is maintained to secure the best working conditions possible for those who have nowhere to turn.