AUSTIN, Texas- Tesla’s Gigafactory has come under scrutiny after the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued fines totaling $6,914 for safety violations.
The penalties result from inspections revealing that workers at the site were exposed to hexavalent chromium, a hazardous chemical, without adequate training or monitoring. This action marks the first instance of OSHA fines for the Austin facility, which has been operational since 2022.
Hexavalent chromium is known to pose significant health risks, including respiratory problems and skin irritation.
Tesla’s Austin Gigafactory, a 10 million-square-foot facility, manufactures electric vehicles and aims to expand its output capabilities. OSHA’s citations underline the importance of adhering to regulation guidelines to protect workers’ health and safety.
The company’s other plants have also encountered various safety-related issues in the past. Between 2014 and 2018, Tesla received over $236,000 in proposed penalties for more than 50 safety violations. These past infractions underline a pattern of safety challenges the company faces across its operations.
Tesla has not publicly commented on the latest fines issued for the Austin factory. The company has previously stated its commitment to providing a safe working environment for its employees.
Workers at the Austin Gigafactory have also voiced concerns about working conditions. Complaints have been filed alleging unsafe practices and insufficient measures to ensure employee safety.
Local environmental agencies have been monitoring the situation closely, highlighting the need for comprehensive oversight of the company’s operations in Austin.
