Amazon Worker Dies After Bitter Cold Evacuation at London-Area Plant

An Amazon worker at an Ontario fulfilment centre in the London area tragically passed away following an incident where employees were evacuated into the bitter cold after a fire alarm went off. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is currently conducting an investigation into the matter.

The evacuation occurred on Sunday night, and fire crews responded to the alarm. The worker collapsed about an hour after returning to their work station following the evacuation. Amazon spokesperson, Maureen Lynch Vogel, expressed condolences to the worker’s family and stated that they are providing support to employees at the site.

The facility, which opened in October, is located on Sunset Drive and used to be the Ford St. Thomas assembly plant. It currently employs around 1,000 people.

During the evacuation, workers were provided with warm-weather kits, including items like knit caps, socks, gloves, Mylar blankets, and hand warmers. However, it is unclear whether any other employees required medical attention due to cold-related illness.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour has assigned an inspector to the case. Amazon officials have stated that the incident does not appear to be work-related, but the cause of death will be determined through the ongoing investigation.

This unfortunate incident raises concerns about the safety and working conditions in Amazon facilities. In the past, the company has faced criticism for unsafe conditions and work intensity. Investigations and surveys have revealed a high number of injuries among Amazon employees.