Electric vehicle maker Rivian is under fire for more than just financial struggles.
16 Serious Safety Citations in 21 Months
A new Bloomberg report raises serious concerns about safety conditions at Rivian's manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, citing alarming workplace injuries such as skull fractures, amputated fingers, and operations resulting from factory incidents.
The report, based on interviews with current and former employees and data from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), reveals that Rivian has received 16 serious safety citations over the past 21 months, according to Boosted.
By contrast, major automakers like Toyota, GM, Honda, Nissan, and Ford together received fewer than 10 citations in the same timeframe.
Encouraged to Improve Safety
Employees described a high-pressure work environment where they feel compelled to keep production lines running at all costs.
Reports include potentially hazardous practices, such as using forklifts to push unfinished vehicles around the factory, and safety concerns like a leaking roof over areas where batteries are stored.
One former worker claimed they became ill after working in the paint shop without adequate respiratory protection.
Rivian has responded by stating that it provides all necessary safety equipment and prides itself on a “strong safety record” that continues to improve.
The company added that many of the OSHA citations were later downgraded or dropped. However, former OSHA staff suggest that downgrading citations is often a way to encourage companies to improve safety and avoid legal disputes.
