SpaceX Faces Another Lawsuit Over Workplace Injury, This Time in Texas
A contractor working at SpaceX's Starbase facility has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that he suffered serious injuries after being struck by falling debris while installing sheet metal in an elevator shaft. The incident is the latest in a string of workplace injury lawsuits against SpaceX, which has been criticized for its poor safety track record.
According to the lawsuit filed in Cameron County, Texas, Sergio Ortiz was working inside the elevator shaft on April 17, 2024, when welding leads – heavy-duty copper cables used to connect welding machines to clamps – suddenly fell onto his head. Ortiz claims that the accident occurred due to SpaceX's failure to secure the leads and enforce adequate safety measures.
Ortiz is suing SpaceX and at least two other companies for negligence, although the amount of damages sought has not been specified. This latest incident highlights a broader pattern of workplace injuries at SpaceX, which has been plagued by accidents involving falls, electrocutions, and crushing injuries.
In 2023, Reuters reported that there had been at least 600 unreported workplace injuries at SpaceX, with some resulting in serious harm or even death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently investigating multiple incidents related to the Starbase facility in Texas, where Ortiz was working.
Ortiz's lawsuit joins a growing list of cases filed against SpaceX over workplace safety concerns. In January 2024, the wife of a SpaceX employee filed a lawsuit after her husband fell into a trench and suffered severe injuries, leaving him in a coma. The series of incidents raises questions about SpaceX's commitment to ensuring the safety of its workers as it pushes ahead with ambitious spaceflight plans.
Gizmodo has reached out to SpaceX for comment on this latest incident, but so far, no response has been received. The case against Ortiz highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability from companies like SpaceX, which prioritize profits over worker safety.
A contractor working at SpaceX's Starbase facility has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that he suffered serious injuries after being struck by falling debris while installing sheet metal in an elevator shaft. The incident is the latest in a string of workplace injury lawsuits against SpaceX, which has been criticized for its poor safety track record.
According to the lawsuit filed in Cameron County, Texas, Sergio Ortiz was working inside the elevator shaft on April 17, 2024, when welding leads – heavy-duty copper cables used to connect welding machines to clamps – suddenly fell onto his head. Ortiz claims that the accident occurred due to SpaceX's failure to secure the leads and enforce adequate safety measures.
Ortiz is suing SpaceX and at least two other companies for negligence, although the amount of damages sought has not been specified. This latest incident highlights a broader pattern of workplace injuries at SpaceX, which has been plagued by accidents involving falls, electrocutions, and crushing injuries.
In 2023, Reuters reported that there had been at least 600 unreported workplace injuries at SpaceX, with some resulting in serious harm or even death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently investigating multiple incidents related to the Starbase facility in Texas, where Ortiz was working.
Ortiz's lawsuit joins a growing list of cases filed against SpaceX over workplace safety concerns. In January 2024, the wife of a SpaceX employee filed a lawsuit after her husband fell into a trench and suffered severe injuries, leaving him in a coma. The series of incidents raises questions about SpaceX's commitment to ensuring the safety of its workers as it pushes ahead with ambitious spaceflight plans.
Gizmodo has reached out to SpaceX for comment on this latest incident, but so far, no response has been received. The case against Ortiz highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability from companies like SpaceX, which prioritize profits over worker safety.
! It's just not right that they're putting profits over people's lives. I mean, we're already seeing cases of workers being electrocuted or crushing injuries... it's a miracle anyone gets out alive working there.
. Like, 600 unreported workplace injuries? That's staggering! The OSHA should be all over this, making sure SpaceX is held accountable for their negligence.
spaceX is like the company of bad luck, every time they launch something new theres always some crazy accident happenin at their facility... remember when they had that rocket explode in california? that was a wild ride 
but seriously tho, 600 unreported injuries in one year is just insane... its gotta be tough for those workers gettin hurt on the job... and now another lawsuit poppin up its like spaceX cant catch a break 
! Another lawsuit coming at Elon's crew, and it just keeps piling up 
. Like, can't they get their act together? 
It's like, how many accidents do they have to go through before someone gets serious 
. And now this one guy is suing them for millions because he got hit by some loose copper cables 
... meanwhile, the safety record of OSHA is pretty sketchy too 
. I'm not saying SpaceX should just cut corners and risk lives, but can't they find a way to make space travel safer without breaking the bank? 
it's crazy how many people have been hurt or worse working for spacex and no one seems to be taking responsibility 
... what's the deal with all these workplace injuries? are they really not enforcing safety protocols properly? 
it's just common sense, you gotta prioritize worker safety over profits 
then there were all those unreported injuries back in 2023 
shouldn't companies like spacetx be prioritizing safety over profits? 
This is getting ridiculous! Can't these space companies get it together? I mean, seriously, who gets hurt by falling welding leads in an elevator shaft? 
! SpaceX is getting roasted for their workplace safety track record, and honestly, it's about time someone spoke up 
! I mean, 600 unreported injuries? That's like, a whole galaxy of problems 
. Companies gotta put their money where their mouth is – or in this case, where their OSHA guidelines are 
! On a serious note though, workplace safety should always be top priority, especially when you're playing with fire (or in this case, space debris 
)! 
. It's just crazy to think that there have already been at least 600 unreported injuries on the job... it sounds like a nightmare factory in there. As someone who loves space exploration and all that, it hurts to see something as cool as SpaceX getting bogged down by basic safety protocols.
. Companies need to prioritize worker safety over profits - it's not worth risking lives for a few bucks 
. And honestly, 600 unreported injuries in one year is just insane 
. Companies like SpaceX need to prioritize worker safety over profits 
.