The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined SpaceX $115,850 for seven ‘serious’ violations related to a hydraulic crane collapse at its Starbase, Texas facility. OSHA found that SpaceX did not properly inspect the crane, which had recently been repaired, prior to the incident in June. While it remains uncertain if any workers were injured in the collapse, SpaceX has the opportunity to contest the penalties issued.
The fine and violations come as SpaceX plans to increase operations at the Starbase facility, aiming to support the initiative of sending astronauts back to the Moon. SpaceX has been granted approval by the Federal Aviation Administration for up to 25 Starship launches in Texas this year as it expands the launch complex.
SpaceX’s Starbase site has a history of workplace injuries, with a higher injury rate compared to other company facilities and industry peers. Recent incidents include an employee suing SpaceX after being crushed by a dropped metal support and ongoing investigations by OSHA into accidents at the site.
Source: TechCrunch