Texas joins trend of proposing warehouse worker protections

Texas is the latest state to consider creating legal protections for warehouse workers.

H.B. 4394, introduced Thursday, would create a list of guidelines for employers who staff and operate in warehouses or distribution centers, setting parameters on such issues as quotas, employee work speed data, employee safety notification requirements, and unlawful retaliation.

The changes would go into effect on Sept. 1 if the bill passes.

Lawmakers in Minnesota recently introduced similar legislation aiming to make warehouse work safer and such laws went into effect in Illinois and New York this year. A related issue, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is also cracking down on workplace safety issues at Amazon Inc. warehouses.