Tesla Fined For Work Safety Violations Leading To Labor Death

The latest Tesla Model Y interior. (Doc. Tesla)

JAKARTA Tesla is back in the spotlight after US federal regulators fined a work safety breach that caused the death of a worker at its plant in Austin, Texas last summer. This tragic incident further adds to the long list of controversies overshadowing electric vehicle company made by Elon Musk.

The US Department of Manpower confirmed that the investigation had been completed and sanctions had been imposed on Tesla. However, they did not specify the amount of fines or types of violations committed. The US Labor Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the agency that handles the investigation, is also reluctant to reveal further details.

Launching Reuters on Thursday, February 20, this incident stems from the death of Victor Gomez Sr., a contractor, on August 1, 2024. According to OSHA records and a death lawsuit filed by his family, Gomez was electrocuted while checking panels that shouldn't have been in voltage, but were still electrified. The lawsuit accuses Tesla of negligence in ensuring the safety of workers.

The case also sparked the attention of US Congressman Greg Casar, who represents the region where the Tesla factory is located. The fault urges the Department of Manpower to release the results of a complete investigation to ensure transparency and accountability. In his letter, he highlighted the importance of the public knowing whether Tesla had abandoned work safety standards.

"The public has the right to know whether Tesla and its contractors are endangering the lives of workers, as well as whether Tesla will comply with future safety regulations," Casar wrote.

It is known that the Tesla factory in Austin produced Model Y and Cybertruck, previously also sanctioned two work safety breaches in 2023. OSHA records show that Tesla was fined around 7,000 US dollars for violations related to workers' protection from hazardous chemicals. In addition, in 2022, Tesla had faced two complaints regarding safety breaches and subcontractor wages during factory construction.