Amazon’s Coventry warehouse is currently facing a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak, with ten employees diagnosed. The company has confirmed that the affected individuals tested positive for non-contagious TB in September. The warehouse employs around 3,000 staff, and the situation has raised concerns about workplace safety and public health.
Details of the TB Outbreak
The GMB Union reported multiple cases of TB at the facility, prompting calls for immediate closure. In response, Amazon stated that NHS staff visited the site to conduct blood tests and ensure the safety of all employees.
Company Response and Safety Measures
- Amazon confirmed that there have been no new cases reported since September.
- The company is conducting a screening program in collaboration with the NHS to monitor any further risks.
- All employees who may have been in close contact with affected individuals have been informed.
An Amazon spokesperson emphasized their commitment to following NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidelines. They have implemented protocols to manage the situation and ensure employee safety.
Health Impact and Public Reaction
Dr. Roger Gajraj, a consultant with UKHSA West Midlands, has stated that those affected are responding well to treatment and are no longer infectious. This development implies that the overall risk to staff and the public remains low. However, the union remains concerned about the working conditions.
Calls for Action
- GMB Union demands all workers be sent home on full pay until adequate infection control measures are established.
- Amanda Gearing, GMB senior organiser, described urgent action as necessary to protect employees.
- Local MP Zarah Sultana criticized Amazon for not closing the warehouse and called for immediate action to safeguard workers’ health.
Understanding Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs but is preventable and treatable with antibiotics. Symptoms can include:
- A persistent cough lasting more than three weeks
- Fatigue and a high temperature
- Night sweats and loss of appetite
- Weight loss and general malaise
According to UKHSA data, there were 5,490 active TB cases reported in England in 2024, marking a 13.6% increase from the previous year.
The situation at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse highlights the importance of workplace health protocols. It also emphasizes the need for corporations to responsibly manage public health concerns to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees.
