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Illinois-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian Automotive, has come under scrutiny due to an array of worker safety incidents at its only operational plant.
Since early 2022, the company has accrued more initial “serious” safety violations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) than any other carmaker, reflecting persistent concerns in the emerging EV sector around workplace safety protocols and training measures.
The injuries range from severe back lacerations and fractured skulls to finger amputations, with some requiring surgery or hospitalization.
Rivian's rapid growth appears to have outpaced its ability to maintain robust safety protocols and sound a note of caution for a burgeoning industry under pressure to deliver growth while ensuring worker safety.
The company said that “the health and safety of everyone at Rivian is our top priority,” and pointed to improvements in safety training programs and incident review processes.
The firm has cooperated with OSHA during its investigations and asserts that, by its own metrics, its safety record aligns well with industry norms.
Inadequate training and safety equipment
Current and former employees paint a different picture, however, describing a workplace fraught with inadequate training, inconsistent safety equipment availability, and frequent production pressures. Notably, such issues have surfaced as Rivian is expanding production to fulfill major contracts, including a delivery van order for Amazon and a luxury SUV line marketed to high-profile buyers.
In recent months, the Illinois plant reported incidents involving forklift-related injuries, which included foot fractures and other traumatic events, as well as ongoing ergonomic concerns within its paint and assembly divisions.
Addison Zwanzig, a 20-year-old former employee, faced health challenges allegedly linked to prolonged exposure to paint fumes.
Zwanzig’s request for respirators were initially denied, leading to symptoms severe enough for her to seek medical help, she says. Although Rivian eventually provided respirators, she continued to report ongoing health impacts from her time at the plant.
To address systemic risks in EV manufacturing, experts emphasize the importance of rigorous, consistent safety practices and regular equipment checks. Training should be extended across all operational levels, with frequent oversight to detect and resolve potential hazards before they escalate.
Prioritizing worker protection
OSHA’s objective, former agency officials suggest, should prioritize worker protection through settlements that focus on prevention rather than prolonged litigations.
Rivian’s travails are especially significant in light of the US government’s push to accelerate EV manufacturing as part of its broader climate goals. As Illinois and other states continue to incentivize the establishment of EV plants with tax subsidies, it serves as a reminder of the risks posed by scaling up production without sufficient safety measures.
With plans for further expansion and increased production ahead, Rivian and the wider EV industry will remain under the microscope as regulators, industry leaders, and labor organizations advocate for safer work environments within the sector.
