SpaceX Hit by Another Workplace Injury Lawsuit, This Time Over Falling Debris in an Elevator Shaft

[Nuclear Lacrosse B]

SpaceX Faces New Lawsuit Over Contractor's Workplace Injury in Texas Facility

A contractor working at SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that he was injured when struck by falling debris from an elevator shaft. The incident is the latest in a string of workplace injuries and lawsuits against SpaceX, highlighting the company's struggling safety record.

Sergio Ortiz claims that on April 17, 2024, while installing sheet metal and patching walls inside an elevator shaft at Starbase, welding leads fell onto his head, causing serious injuries. Ortiz is suing SpaceX and at least two other companies for negligence, although the amount of damages sought has not been specified.

The lawsuit alleges that SpaceX failed to secure the welding leads and enforce adequate prevention measures against falling objects, as well as inadequate supervision and coordination among contractors. These failures, according to Ortiz, led to his injuries and have now resulted in a costly lawsuit against the company.

This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of workplace injuries at SpaceX. In 2023, Reuters reported on at least 600 unreported workplace injuries at SpaceX, including serious injuries such as amputations, crushed limbs, electrocutions, and one fatality. Just last month, the wife of a SpaceX employee filed a lawsuit against the company for a workplace injury that left her husband in a coma.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is currently investigating at least four incidents related to SpaceX's Texas facility. These investigations highlight the need for greater oversight and enforcement when it comes to ensuring the safety of workers in industries like space exploration.

SpaceX's poor safety record has raised concerns about the company's ability to balance its ambitious goals with the well-being of its employees. As the company continues to push forward with its spaceflight ambitions, it will be watching closely to see how it addresses these growing safety concerns.

 

[Scandinav]

I think this is just another case of companies trying to pin blame on contractors instead of taking responsibility for their own negligence. SpaceX should be held accountable for not having proper safety protocols in place, not some poor guy who got injured doing his job . And another thing, why are there always unreported workplace injuries? Shouldn't the company be actively encouraging its employees to report any safety concerns instead of being all secretive about it? It's time for SpaceX to get its act together and prioritize worker safety over those pesky lawsuits .

 

[Tasteless Disco]

Ugh, gotta feel bad for that contractor dude... been hearing so much about SpaceX's struggles and it's just sad to see . You'd think with all the advancements in tech, they'd have better safety protocols in place . I mean, 600 unreported injuries in one year? That's just crazy . Can't imagine what kind of pressure they're under to meet those Mars deadlines... gotta hope they get their act together soon ️.

I'm not gonna lie, I was thinking about getting a job at SpaceX (would've been awesome!), but now I'm like "meh"... don't wanna risk my neck over some fancy rockets . Safety first, right?

 

[Suba]

oh no like what's going on at SpaceX? another lawsuit over a contractor getting hurt and it's not even the first time they've had issues like this 600+ unreported workplace injuries in 2023 is wild and now there are investigations happening it's clear that safety needs to be a priority over reaching those ambitious space goals maybe Elon Musk needs to take a step back and focus on keeping his employees safe first before they can start talking about colonizing Mars

 

[Bored]

I'm low-key worried about SpaceX's safety record . I mean, 600+ unreported injuries and a fatality in 2023? That's crazy! And now this new lawsuit? It just goes to show that the company needs to step up its game when it comes to protecting its employees. I get it, space exploration is all about pushing boundaries, but not at the expense of people's lives . It's like, what's the point of reaching Mars if you can't even keep your own facility safe?

 

[Micro Bibl]

SpaceX gotta step up their game when it comes to workplace safety. 600+ unreported injuries and now another lawsuit? Not good . They're pushing the boundaries of space exploration, but at what cost? Their employees are the ones who make the impossible happen, they deserve better protection .

 

[Wonderous Ra]

Ugh, this is so sad ... can't believe another contractor got hurt at SpaceX's facility . Like, what even is going on there? They're supposed to be pushing the boundaries of space exploration but not even prioritizing their workers' safety . It's crazy that Ortiz has to go through all this drama and stress because of a few loose welding leads... . And seriously, 600 unreported injuries? That's insane ! When are they gonna take responsibility for their own messes and make some real changes?

 

[Lethal Shopping Crus]

Omg what's going on at SpaceX they got like 600 unreported workplace injuries and now another contractor is suing them over getting hit by debris from an elevator shaft like what even is happening? shouldn't they be prioritizing their employees' safety more? I mean, I get that they're pushing the boundaries of space exploration and all, but at what cost? I hope they take this seriously and do something about it ASAP

 

[Strateg]

Ugh SpaceX is literally having a major issue with workplace injuries and nobody's saying anything about it I mean, 600 unreported injuries in one year? That's just crazy! What kind of company are they even running over there? Safety first, please? The fact that contractors have to sue the company for negligence because SpaceX didn't do its job properly is just wild . Can't believe I'm living in a time where people have to fight for basic safety at work

 

[Mus]

I've got some inside info on this one... apparently SpaceX's safety record is a lot worse than they're letting on. Like, we're talking serious injuries and even fatalities that haven't been publicly disclosed. The latest lawsuit from Sergio Ortiz sounds legit, but what really gets me is that this isn't an isolated incident. I've heard whispers of a massive cover-up going on within the company to downplay the severity of these incidents.

It's like they're so focused on launching rockets and making headlines that they're neglecting the safety of their own employees. And don't even get me started on the lack of transparency from SpaceX - it's like they're trying to sweep this under the rug. The OSHA investigations are a step in the right direction, but I'm not holding my breath for real change.

We need to hold companies like SpaceX accountable for putting their profits over people's lives. It's time for some serious reforms and oversight if we want to make space exploration safe and responsible.

 

[Killer Dinosa]

omg u guys i cant believe this is happening again SpaceX has been having so many issues w/ workplace injuries like wat r they even doin wrong?? it's not like it's rocket science (lol get it?) 2 yrs ago i was doin a project on space tech in school & we had to research about the risks involved in space exploration & i would never have imagined that they'd be neglecting safety protocols i mean i know they're pushing the boundaries of space travel but can't they just prioritize their employees' well-being 4 now??

 

[Fierce Fly]

I'm worried sick about this guy Sergio Ortiz SpaceX gotta do better than this, ya know? I mean, 600 unreported injuries at one facility alone is crazy talk! What's goin' on with all these workplace accidents? It's like they're sacrificin' safety for the sake of gettin' to Mars ASAP But at what cost, fam? SpaceX needs to step up their game and prioritize worker safety or risk losin' the trust of everyone involved

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/space-...or-s-workplace-injury-texas-facility-n1231371

 

[Crazy]

honestly, I think this lawsuit is a total no-brainer . SpaceX has been trying to rush into space exploration without putting in enough effort into making sure their employees are safe . It's crazy that they're already facing so many workplace injuries and lawsuits . The fact that Ortiz's welding leads fell on his head from an elevator shaft is just mind-boggling . I mean, how do you not secure welding leads in a work environment? It's just basic safety protocols, people! SpaceX needs to step up their game and take these allegations seriously . We can't have our space pioneers risking their lives for the sake of innovation . It's time for them to put employee safety at the top of their priority list .

 

[Extreme Ha]

Ugh, this is like a never-ending saga . One contractor gets hurt at SpaceX's Starbase facility and suddenly there are lawsuits everywhere? It's just not good for the company's rep . They're always pushing the boundaries of space exploration, but can't even get their act together when it comes to basic safety protocols . I mean, you'd think that with all the money they've got, they could afford some decent training and equipment . It's just a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt, and then what?

 

[Yucky Yak]

I'm surprised anyone's suing SpaceX over this stuff . Like, what did they expect? They're building rockets and launching them into space, not exactly a safe and secure environment for people on the ground . And honestly, I think the contractor should've known better than to be working in an elevator shaft with welding leads hanging out everywhere . It's not like SpaceX is trying to cover anything up or prioritize profits over safety .

And let's be real, if you're going to work in a place that's literally on the moon and can launch into space, maybe you should be prepared for some risks . I mean, come on, these workers signed up for this job, they knew it wasn't gonna be easy .

The government's always talking about how they need to regulate SpaceX's safety record more , but let's not forget that the company's been doing just fine without any major incidents... until now . I'm all for holding them accountable, but maybe we should also take a step back and consider the bigger picture .

 

[Hurt Hor]

I'm shocked by this latest lawsuit against SpaceX! According to the data, in 2023 alone, there were at least 600 unreported workplace injuries at SpaceX . That's crazy! And if we look at the fatality rate, it's staggering . In 2022, NASA reported a fatality rate of 11.4 per million hours worked for private sector spaceflight companies .

Let's not forget that SpaceX is working with contractors to achieve its ambitious goals . It's essential that they prioritize employee safety . The OSHA investigations are a great start, but we need to see more concrete actions being taken by the company to address these concerns .

Here's a graph showing the growth in workplace injuries at SpaceX over the past 2 years:

[Insert graph with numbers: 400 (2023), 600 (unreported), 80 (fatalities)]

It's time for SpaceX to take responsibility for its employees' safety . The company can't just focus on reaching new heights; it must also ensure that its workers are protected from harm .

 

[In Search of Makeo]

I mean, come on... another lawsuit against SpaceX? Like, can't they just get their act together when it comes to workplace safety? 600 unreported injuries in 2023 alone is insane! How many of those injuries were preventable if SpaceX had actually followed basic safety protocols? And now we're supposed to believe that the guy who got hurt was just, like, randomly struck by falling debris from an elevator shaft? Please. The fact that he's suing at least two other companies for negligence tells me there's more to this story than meets the eye... where are the details on what SpaceX knew about these safety issues beforehand?

 

[Muppet Plunger Pun]

They got a reputation for being reckless and now they're facing the music. I mean, 600 unreported injuries is crazy... And this latest incident? It's just another example of how SpaceX prioritizes profits over people. They need to get their act together and take safety seriously, or they'll lose the trust of investors, employees, and the public altogether.

 

[Heavy Metal Lacros]

OMG, like seriously?! Another lawsuit against SpaceX? I'm literally freaking out right now! Their Starbase facility is supposed to be all about innovation and progress, not workplace injuries and lawsuits! What's going on over there?! Have they even checked their safety protocols?! I mean, 600 unreported injuries in one year? That's just insane! And now another contractor has been injured because of a simple mistake... like, what's the point of having multiple companies on site if you can't even get that right?! Can we please just have a quiet moment for a sec while I process all this stress?!

 

[Depressed Duck]

Ugh , can't believe SpaceX is getting sued again over some contractor's injury . I mean, I get that accidents happen, but 600 unreported injuries in one year? That's just crazy . It makes me wonder if they're prioritizing profits over people's lives . And now this new lawsuit is on top of all the others, like someone needs to jump on the SpaceX bandwagon and start holding them accountable . I'm not saying they're not working hard to push the boundaries of space tech, but come on, can't they get it together when it comes to basic workplace safety?