Statistics reveal that one out of every 21 workers at Giga Texas sustained on-the-job injuries in 2022. An attorney assisting contract laborers at the Tesla factory alleges that there is evidence suggesting Tesla intentionally under-reported accidents to state regulators, as reported .
In a distressing occurrence at Tesla‘s Giga Texas factory near Austin, a violent encounter between a malfunctioning robot and a Tesla engineer took place, resulting in a disturbing trail of blood. Witnesses were horrified as the specialized machine, designed to handle aluminum car parts, unintentionally trapped the engineer responsible for programming nearby robots. The engineer sustained injuries to their back and arm.
Um robô saiu do controle e atacou um engenheiro numa fábrica de carros elétricos da Tesla, nos Estados Unidos.
— Jornalismo TV Cultura (@jornal_cultura) December 27, 2023
O funcionário estava tentando reprogramar outros dois robôs quando foi atacado por um terceiro.#JornaldaCultura #JC pic.twitter.com/3le1MDolvj
The recently reviewed 2021 injury report, by DailyMail.com, revealed details of this incident, stating that despite suffering an open wound on his left hand, the engineer did not require time off. However, Hannah Alexander, an attorney representing Giga Texas contract workers, alleges the factory’s injury records are inaccurately documented, indicating a higher number of injuries than reported.
Of raised concern is the case of Antelmo Ramírez, a construction worker who lost his life in September 2021 due to heatstroke while working on the factory premises. Alexander claims that similar incidents are being neglected in Tesla’s official reports, thus painting an incorrect picture of the factory’s safety standards.
According to The Information, the Giga Texas plant surpasses the auto industry’s median rates for total accidents and those severe enough to warrant time off. Sources attribute this to the accelerated construction of the facility and relaxed safety measures adopted during the process.
Tesla’s own reported injuries span from blunt force trauma to chemical exposures. Their OSHA reports have disclosed instances of workers needing months to recover, with some remaining unable to work for over four months due to on-the-job injuries.
Ironically, while Tesla‘s Giga Texas plant exhibits higher injury rates compared to industry standards, the company has also been granted over $60 million in tax breaks from Travis County and the Del Valle Independent School District. Nonetheless, allegations suggest that Tesla might not be fully complying with the strict reporting requirements tied to these incentives.
The attorney asserts that Tesla fails to consistently record injuries, including deaths of construction workers, in compliance reports, thereby violating the terms of the economic development incentive agreement. Despite standing out with respect to injuries, Tesla’s operations in Texas align with the state’s higher fatality rates for construction workers, when compared to the national average. Claims suggest that Tesla’s decision to relocate from California to Texas was partly influenced by dissatisfaction with health and safety regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, the Giga Texas factory’s unique challenges, stemming from its rapid construction and operational phases, may contribute to the higher-than-average injury rates among workers. These circumstances raise significant concerns regarding workplace safety practices and the accuracy of injury reporting.
