OSHA probing worker death at SpaceX’s Starbase site

A fatal accident occurred at SpaceX's Starbase launch facility in South Texas early on Friday morning, prompting an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). According to reports from the San Antonio Express-News, the unidentified worker lost their life at approximately 4:17 a.m. local time on May 15. Confirmation of the incident was provided by the county sheriff to The Wall Street Journal. OSHA has officially acknowledged that it is looking into the circumstances surrounding the accident. However, details remain scarce as representatives from nearby law enforcement and fire departments have not commented on the situation. SpaceX and the newly-established City of Starbase have also not provided any statements regarding the incident. The tragic event comes just ahead of the scheduled launch of SpaceX’s upgraded Starship rocket. Additionally, the company is reportedly set to unveil detailed information about its upcoming initial public offering, which is anticipated to be the largest of its kind when it takes place next month. SpaceX has faced scrutiny over worker safety at the Starbase site, which is not only a key launch area for Starship prototypes but also an active construction zone. An analysis of OSHA data revealed that the Texas site had an injury rate significantly higher than that of its competitors, marking it as one of the most hazardous locations for SpaceX employees. A 2023 investigation by Reuters also highlighted previously unreported injuries and a worker fatality from 2014 at SpaceX's McGregor testing facility. Earlier this year, OSHA cited SpaceX for seven serious safety violations, including the improper inspection of a crane that collapsed at the Starbase site last June. The agency imposed the maximum financial penalties on six of these violations, totaling $115,850, although SpaceX is currently contesting these fines. The company has been embroiled in multiple lawsuits related to workplace injuries at Starbase. In December, a subcontractor employee named Eduardo Cavazos filed a lawsuit after suffering severe injuries when a large metal support fell from a crane. Following an investigation initiated by OSHA, it was later closed without punitive action. Recently, Cavazos’ case was dismissed due to the subcontractor's workers' compensation insurance, which prohibits legal action against them.