Electric car maker Rivia’s Normal, Illinois plant was found by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for 16 serious violations over a 21-month period. Bloomberg. Some of the injuries they sustained included an amputated finger, vomited “Rivian blue” bile after painting unprotected, a cracked skull and a serious back injury. The EV manufacturer works in just one factory. However, in 21 months, it has committed more violations than larger automakers such as Honda, Volvo and Ford.
These are not the only injuries. There are many other injuries allegedly never reported by workers. Addison Zwanzig’s case is notable because he was ordered to paint vehicles without a respirator. He experienced vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and more for weeks and threw up the aforementioned blue bile. Only then was he provided with a respirator along with his colleagues, which had never been provided before.
“The safety of everyone at Rivian is our top priority. We are constantly improving our processes and have not received any serious citations this year. It is incredibly disappointing to see how Bloomberg misrepresented the facts in this story,” said a Rivian spokesperson. Engadget. “It is incredibly disappointing to see how Bloomberg misrepresented the facts in this story. Since January 2023, Rivian has received two serious OSHA citations. The initial citations should not be confused with the final citations, and to suggest otherwise is incredibly misleading.”
Rivian said separately Bloomberg provides workers with all necessary safety equipment. Employees can also approach supervisors with concerns or report them confidentially. While Rivia’s safety and processes have improved since 2021, these latest injuries remain alarming.
There is Rivian made plans instead of building its R2 SUV in Georgia, it chose to build them at its Normal, Illinois plant. Despite these injury reports, the EV maker is still looking to hire more workers. However, when OSHA is breathing down its neck, the company may have to work harder to protect its employees, especially the company hesitant on allowing workers to join trade unions.
Update 1:57 PM ET: Added comment from Rivian.
