OSHA probing worker death at SpaceX's Starbase site
TechCrunch • • general
Key Points:
- A worker died at SpaceX’s Starbase launch site in South Texas on May 15, prompting an OSHA investigation into the incident, though details remain unclear as the probe may take months.
- The death occurred just days before SpaceX's planned first launch of its upgraded Starship rocket and ahead of the company's anticipated initial public offering.
- SpaceX’s Starbase site has a history of safety issues, with OSHA previously citing the company for serious violations and imposing significant fines related to unsafe working conditions.
- Past investigations revealed a high injury rate at the Texas launch site, and the company has faced multiple lawsuits from workers injured at Starbase, including a recent case that was dropped due to workers’ compensation coverage.
- SpaceX and local authorities have not commented on the recent death, and OSHA has withheld further information pending the outcome of its ongoing investigation.