The Dark Side of Electric: Is Rivian’s Factory a Safety Hazard?

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to surge, manufacturers are working overtime to meet the demand. However, the rush to get these vehicles on the road can often come at a high cost – the safety of the workers. A recent investigation by Bloomberg has revealed that Rivian’s factory in Normal, Illinois, has received a staggering 16 initial citations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in just 21 months.

This is a particularly worrisome trend, especially considering that no other American auto manufacturer has received more than 10 citations in the same time frame. In fact, Volkswagen, BMW, and Subaru didn’t receive a single citation between them. It’s clear that safety protocols are woefully inadequate at Rivian’s plant.

But what’s even more disturbing is the nature of the violations. Workers at the plant have suffered a range of serious injuries, including an amputated finger, a severe back laceration, a fractured foot, and even a cracked skull. One employee, who worked in the paint booth, reportedly vomited frequently due to toxic fumes and was later forced to crawl on top of a moving vehicle to perform her duties. She was eventually let go for allegedly failing to provide sufficient documentation to support her claim for sick leave.

Rivian’s responses have been less than reassuring. They claim to prioritize worker safety, but their actions speak louder than words. According to the company, they provide all necessary safety equipment, including respirators, which raises questions as to why their workers are still experiencing such a high rate of injuries.

While it’s true that the company has made some safety improvements, it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure the well-being of their employees. The United Auto Workers have been trying to unionize Rivian plant employees for years, which could help improve safety standards across the facility.

The question remains: is Rivian’s rush to produce electric vehicles worth sacrificing the health and safety of their workers? As the demand for these cars continues to grow, it’s essential that we hold manufacturers accountable for putting human life before production numbers.

Stay safe, and stay informed. If you have any tips or concerns, send them to [email protected].

Image: A photo of Rivian’s R1T plant, showcasing the company’s production process. (Source: Rivian)