In Tesla's Texas Gigafactory, a manufacturing robot reportedly attacked an engineer, leaving a trail of blood on the factory floor.
The incident, which occurred in 2021, came to light through legal documents reviewed by the Daily Mail, detailing how the robot's metal claws dug into the engineer's back and arm as he programmed nearby robots, as per Washington Examiner.
Tesla Robot Attacks Engineer
According to eyewitnesses, a horrifying scene unfolded, with particular focus on the risks associated with automated robots in the workplace. Concerns have been raised regarding underreported injuries at the Texas factory, despite the injured engineer not needing time off.
Tesla's injury report, required for tax incentives, has faced scrutiny. The attorney representing Tesla's Giga Texas contract workers alleged that injuries, including the death of a construction worker named Antelmo Ramírez, were not accurately reported.
The Workers Defense Project filed a complaint with the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), claiming false safety certifications for some hires.
The incident involving the robot shows a broader pattern in Tesla's reported data on injuries at the Giga Texas plant. Based on reports, the facility has exceeded the auto industry average in terms of total accidents and accidents that necessitate time off.
In 2022, a concerning statistic emerged from Tesla's Giga Texas factory, where approximately one in 21 workers reportedly suffered on-the-job injuries. This ratio surpassed the industry median rate, raising concerns about worker safety at the facility, according to Daily Mail.
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Tesla's Giga Texas Construction
The Giga Texas facility's swift construction, often referred to as "Elon Speed," has been identified as a potential cause for relaxed safety protocols. According to Tesla, the injuries reported by their employees vary from blunt force trauma to chemical exposures, resulting in some workers requiring months to recover.
While Tesla's press materials often describe the factory as being in Austin, it is officially located in an unincorporated area known as Del Valle in Travis County. The company received substantial tax breaks, but concerns have been raised about compliance with reporting requirements related to worker injuries.
Both current and former Tesla employees have come forward, alleging safety lapses within the company. These alleged lapses include incidents where heavy machinery has reportedly fallen dangerously close to workers, as well as claims of workers being exposed to harmful toxins. Tesla declined to comment on the reported injuries or safety practices, despite the concerns raised.
The Texas Gigafactory, part of Tesla's ambitious expansion plans, aims to employ 60,000 people upon completion. However, the ongoing construction, combined with reported safety lapses, raises questions about the long-term impact on worker well-being in pursuit of Elon Musk's vision for Tesla's future, New York Post reported.
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