AN INVESTIGATION from the GMB Union has claimed that Dunfermline's Amazon site has recorded the third-highest number of injuries in the delivery giant's UK depots in the last five years.

The figures, revealing the number of injuries reported to health and safety bodies, showed there had been 93 injuries in the West Fife centre over the last five years, with the highest location clocking a total of 135.

A total of 294 injuries were reported in UK Amazon depots in 2020/21, which was up from 231 the year before.

The GMB say separate new figures obtained by them also revealed that more than 1,000 ambulance call-outs were also made over the same period – and that call-outs rose by 56 per cent during the pandemic.

The union's national officer, Mick Rix, described the statistics as "shameful", however, Amazon have refuted the claims, saying the full facts have not been gathered.

An Amazon spokesperson said: “Once again, our critics are using incomplete information that’s without context and designed to intentionally mislead.

"We know we’re not perfect and are continuing to get better every day, but the fact is that Amazon has 40 per cent fewer injuries on average compared to other transportation and warehousing businesses in the UK.

"The vast majority of ambulance call-outs to our buildings are related to pre-existing conditions, not work-related incidents, and as a responsible employer we will always call an ambulance if someone requires medical attention.

"Rather than arguing with critics who aren’t interested in facts or progress, we’re going to keep listening to our 55,000 employees, taking their feedback, and working hard to keep investing and improving for the long run.”

Mr Rix said: “More than a thousand serious injuries at Amazon sites is a shameful statistic and one that the company must address urgently – and the true picture is probably worse.

“GMB investigations have now built up years’ worth of evidence and there can be no denying Amazon warehouses are currently dangerous, dehumanising places to work.

“We will be writing to the Health and Safety Executive to set out our findings – it is time for a proper external audit and investigation of working conditions at this highly-profitable company. 

“It’s time Amazon stopped burying its head in the sand, met with the GMB and worked out how to make Amazon a great, safe place to work.”