OSHA probing worker death at SpaceX’s Starbase site
A worker died at SpaceX’s Starbase launch site in South Texas on May 15, prompting an OSHA investigation, while the company prepares for its first Starship rocket launch and an upcoming IPO. OSHA has previously cited SpaceX for safety violations, including crane-related incidents, and the site has faced criticism for high injury rates compared to industry peers.
OSHA launched an investigation on May 15 after a worker died at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas, with the death confirmed by local officials around 4:17 AM. The circumstances remain unclear, and OSHA has not released additional details, stating its inquiry could take months. This incident follows SpaceX’s upcoming first launch of its upgraded Starship rocket and the planned release of its IPO prospectus this week. SpaceX’s Starbase site has a history of safety concerns, with OSHA data from 2025 showing injury rates exceeding industry rivals. In January, OSHA cited SpaceX for seven serious violations after a crane collapse in June 2024, imposing fines totaling $115,850—though the company is contesting the penalties. A 2023 Reuters investigation also revealed multiple unreported injuries and a 2014 worker death at SpaceX’s McGregor test site. In December, a subcontractor worker, Eduardo Cavazos, sued SpaceX after being injured by a falling metal support, suffering broken bones. OSHA opened a rapid response investigation but later closed it without penalties, as the subcontractor’s workers’ compensation insurance prevented further legal action. The lawsuit was subsequently dropped. SpaceX has faced multiple lawsuits related to Starbase injuries, and OSHA’s ongoing probe into the latest fatality underscores continuing safety challenges. The company has not provided a public statement on the incident or its broader safety protocols.
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