California and all other states have laws in place to protect workers from unsafe conditions. Unfortunately, even with such rules and regulations in place, accidents and injuries still happen. Recent reports have revealed that SpaceX has a high incidence of workplace injuries.
Danger on the job
SpaceX employees have demanding jobs that put their safety at risk. According to an investigation, since 2014, Elon Musk’s company failed to disclose more than 600 job-related injuries. Concealing work injuries constitutes a violation of state and federal rules and regulations.
The investigation also found that one new employee lost his life after falling from a hangar without safety equipment. The worker was thrown from a truck’s trailer due to a wind gust, sending him head-first on the ground. The man died from massive head trauma.
Other workers sustained head injuries as well as cuts, lacerations and crushing injuries. The investigation uncovered that SpaceX is lacking in the area of safety measures, which violates the law.
Workers’ rights to safe conditions
Under the California Occupational Safety and Health Act, California workers are entitled to safe, healthy working environments. Workers have the right to be properly trained by their employers about maintaining safety on the job. Employers must provide safety equipment and gear to protect employees if their work requires being around dangerous conditions or substances. Workers who suffer on-the-job injuries are entitled to workers’ compensation as well.
Workers have the right to refuse any task that violates safety or health standards. If an employee becomes aware of any dangerous conditions in the workplace that violate the law, they have the right to file a complaint with the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Employers cannot retaliate against them for doing so.
All workers deserve to be safe on the job. If your employer has violated the law or your rights, taking action is crucial.
