A troubling situation inside an Oregon Amazon warehouse is raising serious questions after employees say work continued even as a coworker lay unresponsive on the floor.
According to reports, a 46-year-old worker collapsed on April 6 while working inside the facility. The employee, described by coworkers as a “tote runner,” had a physically demanding role that involved moving large stacks of plastic bins throughout the warehouse.
One employee who called 911 described the scene in stark terms, telling dispatchers the man appeared lifeless and was showing visible signs of severe distress, including discoloration and head injury.
Multiple workers later claimed they were told to keep working as the situation unfolded nearby. Some said they were instructed to continue their tasks, while others recalled being told not to look and to return to their duties.
Emergency responders eventually arrived, and the immediate area was closed off as crews worked at the scene.
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In response to the incident, Amazon said trained employees began CPR and used an automated defibrillator before first responders arrived. The company stated that safety teams focused on providing care and securing the area, emphasizing that protecting the worker’s privacy and ensuring safety were the top priorities.
Amazon also said employees were later sent home with pay for the remainder of the day.
The exact cause of the worker’s death has not yet been determined.
The incident has drawn attention to working conditions inside large fulfillment centers, particularly regarding how emergencies are handled in fast-paced environments.
