Reports on worker injuries and safety lapses at Tesla's Texas gigafactory, where the Cybertruck is being produced, have raised concerns. According to The Information, the factory has seen incidents ranging from explosions to serious robot-related injuries.
The report highlights alarming statistics, citing injury data submitted to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Allegedly, one in every 21 workers at the Texas facility suffered injuries in 2022.
Several incidents were detailed, including a worker who was pinned by a robot while programming manufacturing software, resulting in injuries. Witnesses described the robot grasping the engineer, causing lacerations, and prompting an emergency stop before the engineer managed to free themselves.
Although Tesla's injury report to Travis County, Texas, references a robot-related incident, it does not precisely match the witness accounts.
The report further mentions other incidents, such as a worker's ankle getting caught under a cart, leading to a prolonged absence, and a separate head injury that sidelined another worker. Additionally, an explosion in the metal casting area allegedly caused a worker to suffer a concussion around New Year 2023.
Similar safety concerns were noted at Tesla's Fremont factory in California. The Cybertruck, announced in 2019, is Tesla's long-awaited new product, initially touted to start at $39,900 but potentially pricier due to expensive materials. Despite safety concerns, the Cybertruck is scheduled to enter the market by the month's end.
(With Agency Inputs)
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