AN investigation by the GMB union has revealed the number of injuries and ambulance callouts at Amazon's Gourock depot over the last five years.

The figures show that there were more than 20 ambulance calls that resulted in 999 crews attending at the Faulds Park site.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations put a duty on employers, the self-employed and people in control of work premises to report serious workplaces accidents, occupational diseases and specified dangerous occurrences.

There have been six RIDDOR reports recorded at Amazon in Gourock since 2016.

National totals show that 294 injuries were reported in Amazon depots across the UK in 2020/21, which was up from 231 the year before.

GMB's national officer, Mick Rix, described the statistics as 'shameful' but Amazon have rejected the claims, saying the full facts have not been gathered.

A spokesperson for the online giants says ambulance callouts to Faulds Park and elsewhere are overwhelmingly caused by pre-existing medical conditions rather than accidents.

They 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 says his union will call in the Health & Safety Executive over the stats.

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

“We will be writing to the Health & 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.”