Gary Quigley was close to the end AmazonWhen he realized that winds were increasing, he took delivery of the package to his destination on Friday. 

Quigley had been following the Weather Forecast on local radio stations in Edwardsville Illinois all afternoon. The National Weather Service was broadcast earlier in the day. had called forThe area is susceptible to severe storms or “strong tornadoes”. 

Quigley called Kevin Dickey (his dispatcher), who was helping to supervise the drivers for his contracted delivery firm, Xseed, at 7:30 p.m. Both men were in agreement that the weather was worsening. Dickey instructed Quigley that he would return to Edwardsville’s Amazon warehouse, also known as DLI4.

Quigley arrived at DLI4 in order to clock out his shift, and then stopped by Dickey to have a chat. 

Quigley said that Quigley asked him if it was becoming worse out there. He told me to get back home safely and promised that he would see me again tomorrow.

Quigley would not speak to Dickey again. 

Dickey (62), was among five Amazon workers who were killed in a tornado that struck the Edwardsville warehouse. 

The EF-3 tornado struck at 8:28 p.m. on Dec. 10, with winds up to 150 mph. The facility, which covers 1.1million square feet, suffered its roof falling, as well as 40-foot tall concrete walls measuring 11 inches in thickness that collapsed to the side. 

Amazon’s safety procedures at work have been under scrutiny after the warehouse collapse. The collapse has raised concerns about the need for updated regulations and building codes, particularly as climate change is fueling more frequent weather catastrophes. 

This week the Occupational Health and Safety Administration said it openedA probe was launched into the collapse of the warehouse. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said that local officials were also looking into the matter “to verify all the codes in place and find out what exactly happened.” J.B. Pritzker spoke at a news conference last Wednesday.

Kelly Nantel from Amazon stated that the building was built in compliance with codes during the press conference. 

Nantel said, “We want the opportunity to look back at all aspects of this.” “There are always tremendous lessons from any catastrophic event, and we want our policies and our practices to reflect any of these learnings and to follow all the best practices.”

Amazon spokespeople did not respond to this report.

A tornado had struck the warehouse and destroyed the south end of the structure. Deckard stated that Virden (46), Deandre Morrow (28), Clayton Cope (29), and Dickey (29) were all found dead in the restroom. Austin McEwen (26) also died in the same bathroom while sheltering, Deckard said. Reuters.

Yost found himself trapped in concrete and was conscious. Quigley reported that Yost was able to locate a driver for delivery who had been panicking and asked him to get help. 

Quigley stated, “That says a lot about Craig.” “Craig is the one that’s trapped. He’s telling this man to find some calm and help.”

Deckard stated that Yost, who had been trapped under concrete rubble for hours, was finally freed by emergency workers and flown to Saint Louis University Hospital. The injuries sustained by Yost were serious. including aFractured pelvis, fractured hips and head concussion. 

Deckard stated that Yost, who had undergone surgery last week, was discharged from Saint Louis University Hospital. He is now recovering at home.

The scene in DLI4 was also chaotic. CNBC obtained a transcript from the call and found that two women were trapped in debris near the back of the building.

One woman said on the phone, “We are right beside her.” We can’t reach her. She is bent in half. 

According to Edwardsville Police Department, Etheria HEBB, 34, was killed in the fall.

With the exception of Cope (maintenance mechanic at Amazon), all victims were Amazon contracted delivery employees.

Amazon’s own delivery service is a key part of the logistics and fulfillment system. This allows Amazon to ship packages quicker to customers. Company last year hadMore than 82,000 drivers are part of the program, as well as more than 1,000 delivery companies.

Although the workers wear Amazon uniforms and are often seen driving Amazon-branded vans they actually work for, the delivery companies they work for have third-party employees. This arrangement is becoming more common in gig economy firms. faced criticism for lax safety protocolsIn the past.

Some delivery drivers, who were on the roads Dec. 10 despite the worsening weather, were instructed to stop driving and park in designated areas or go home. Summer Paolini, an Edwardsville Warehouse dispatcher, stated that some were not allowed to drive. Paolini reported that some others were directed to get back to their warehouse.

Quigley explained that many victims sought shelter in the south-facing bathroom. This was near the place where the delivery drivers park their vehicles.

The 911 caller mentions that one woman was referring to the fact that the workers ended up sheltering in the toilet.

According to the woman, “Immediately after we pulled up, they advised us to park and proceed straight towards the bathroom.” The building fell as a result of our group.

Nantel said that most employees who were present in the building when the tornado struck were hiding in an area in an interior space near the north end of the facility.

John Felton was Amazon’s senior vice-president of global delivery services. He stated that no safety protocols were violated at the news conference.

Felton stated that megaphones were used to alert drivers about approaching backs. Felton said that everyone was safe that night because of the tremendous efforts made.

OSHA guidelinesBasements, storm cellars, and small rooms in interior spaces are considered the best ways to protect against tornadoes. The federal government doesn’t require special storm shelters built for tornadoes inside warehouses.

OSHA recommends that all employees be trained in emergency response and practice shelter-in place plans. According to OSHA guidelines, drivers must also know what they should do if they are outside when there is a threat of tornadoes.

OSHA’s probe into DLI4 was probably opened only as a formality. Debbie Berkowitz, an ex-OSHA worker who is now working for the National Employment Law Project, stated that inspections should be opened only if work-related fatalities are reported.

Berkowitz stated that while they will attempt to determine what went wrong, their primary job is to find out if any standards were violated. Berkowitz also said OSHA standards can be narrowly focused to include whether emergency plans are in place or exits available.

Berkowitz stated that OSHA does not have jurisdiction over things like building codes investigations.

Berkowitz stated that despite being at OSHA six years ago, many people feel disappointed by OSHA investigations. Although there was an unsafe environment, there weren’t any specific violations of the law.

Additionally, OSHA Investigations can uncover serious violations. The monetary penalty is typically several thousand dollars. For large companies, this amount may be a pittance.

Amazon employees in DLI4 and surrounding areas say that they are still dealing with the aftermath and their loss of lives.

Ross claimed that this incident has heightened her concern about Amazon’s treatment warehouse employees. She stated she would quit her job with the company.

Ross declared, “They don’t care about our family or us.”

Numerous Amazon delivery firms and Amazon warehouses have hosted or planned to host vigils to remember and honor the victims.

Deckard expressed gratitude to Dickey, saying that she stayed at the warehouse to ensure her coworkers were safe.

Deckard stated, “I believe he called the drivers that night to make sure that they were safe.” Deckard added.

Many employees from the warehouses surrounding have been able to return to work. Amazon made it mandatory that at least one facility be paid overtime. Warehouse workers often have to work overtime in the holiday rush, also known as peak season.

Quigley stated, “I am scheduled to go work.” It’s hard. It’s hard to believe that if you had done it differently, maybe I could have been there.”

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