Tesla Cited for Safety Violations After Contractor’s Fatal Electrocution at Texas Factory

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) has been cited by U.S. regulators for workplace safety violations following the fatal electrocution of a contractor at its Austin, Texas, Gigafactory last summer. According to Reuters, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued citations against Tesla after concluding its investigation in late January. However, OSHA did not disclose specific violations or confirm financial penalties.

The incident occurred on August 1, when Victor Gomez Sr., an electrician working as a contractor, was electrocuted while inspecting an electrical panel that was allegedly energized without proper warning. His family has since filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla, as reported by Reuters.

Tesla has faced prior OSHA citations, including a $7,000 fine last year for two chemical hazard violations at the Austin plant. The case has also drawn political scrutiny, with U.S. Representative Greg Casar pressing the Labor Department to release full details of the investigation, raising concerns about potential preferential treatment for Tesla due to CEO Elon Musk’s political connections.

Tesla’s Austin Gigafactory, spanning 10 million square feet, produces the Model Y and Cybertruck. The company has not commented on the recent citations.

The case highlights ongoing workplace safety concerns at Tesla, which has previously faced regulatory scrutiny. With increasing political attention and legal action, the company’s handling of workplace safety remains under close watch.