'Wrongful death' | Tesla cited for safety violations after worker's electrocution

Tesla has been cited for workplace safety violations following an investigation into the electrocution of a worker at its Austin, Texas, manufacturing plant.

The US Department of Labor confirmed that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found breaches of safety regulations but has not disclosed specific details or penalties imposed on the company.

The investigation was launched after Victor Gomez Sr., an electrician contracted to work at Tesla’s Gigafactory, was fatally electrocuted while inspecting an electrical panel in 2023. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by his family alleges negligence, stating the panel had been powered up despite expectations that it would be inactive.

The Labor Department closed the investigation in late January, issuing citations against Tesla. Calls for the agency to release the full report have been growing, with US Representative Greg Casar urging transparency in a letter sent this week. Casar, whose district includes the Tesla facility, warned that withholding findings could raise concerns over preferential treatment for the automaker.