SpaceX’s Ongoing Workplace Injury Issue Raises Concerns
Elon Musk’s aerospace company, SpaceX, continues to face challenges in addressing workplace injuries at its facilities. According to a report by Reuters, the injury rate at eight major SpaceX facilities exceeded the industry average for the second consecutive year.
One former administrator from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) expressed concerns about the injuries and their potential implications for SpaceX’s partners, including NASA. David Michaels, a former OSHA employee, emphasized that high injury rates can indicate poor production quality. He also raised concerns about the safety of SpaceX’s work, which could impact NASA’s partnership with the company.
In 2023, all eight SpaceX facilities that reported injury data to OSHA had rates above the industry average of 0.8 injuries per 100 workers. The Rocket Recovery unit on the West Coast had the highest injury rate, with 7.6 injuries per 100 workers. The Brownsville, Texas launch facility also saw an increase in its injury rate, from 4.8 to 5.9 injuries per 100 workers.
The concerns over SpaceX’s workplace injuries are not new. A 2023 Reuters investigation revealed over 600 unreported injuries at the company dating back to 2014. These injuries included strains, sprains, crushed digits, limb amputations, and even fatalities. Employees at the time reported that the injuries stemmed from a company culture that prioritized deadlines over employee safety and training.
SpaceX and NASA have not responded to requests for comment on the matter. The company recently faced allegations from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regarding illegal terms in severance agreements and the dismissal of workers who complained about Musk’s behavior. SpaceX is currently challenging the NLRB’s actions in a lawsuit.
