Workplace accidents can be tragic, especially when they lead to loss of life. These incidents highlight the need for increased safety measures.
Regrettably, Victor Gomez St., a Journeyman electrician, sadly passed away at Tesla's Giga Texas on August 1. Gomez, who was employed by Belcan,
encountered an unfortunate incident with an energized electrical panel while carrying out work on the electrical systems at the site.
Emergency services from Austin-Travis County EMS quickly responded and transported Gomez to Dell Seton Medical Center, where, unfortunately, he was pronounced dead.
As a result, his family has taken legal action against Tesla and Belcan, pursuing $1 million in damages. The lawsuit also requests the-
preservation of all evidence pertaining to the accident, such as the electrical panel and any surveillance footage.
An investigation into the incident has been initiated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which may result in fines for Tesla or Belcan.
It is worth mentioning that Tesla faced a fine of approximately $38,000 from OSHA in California due to a string of reported injuries in December of last year.
Previous reports from the Texas Giga factory have highlighted various incidents, including concussions, explosions, and injuries related to robots.
Nevertheless, these incidents were made known because Tesla consistently reports them to OSHA. Regardless of these reports, our primary objective is to completely eliminate such accidents.
In 2020, Tesla made a firm commitment to prioritize the well-being of its employees by adopting a comprehensive approach to their care.
This approach encompasses both their mental and physical health, ensuring a holistic support system. The company has expanded its contractor-
safety evaluation program globally and made enhancements to on-site medical clinics.
The events at Giga Texas on August 1 highlight a concerning safety issue. Additional public information is expected to shed light on the details surrounding this devastating incident.