SpaceX has been penalized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for failing to properly inspect a crane before its collapse at the Starbase facility in Texas last June. The agency issued seven “serious” violations, with maximum fines totaling $115,850 for six of them. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at the rapidly expanding SpaceX complex.
Uninspected Repairs and Expired Certifications
OSHA’s investigation revealed that a hydraulic crane, recently repaired, was returned to service without verification that repairs met manufacturer standards. This means there was no independent check to ensure the crane was safe after maintenance. The agency also found that monthly crane inspections were either not performed or not documented, with one crane lacking inspections for over a year.
The issues extended beyond maintenance records: an employee operated a separate crane with an expired certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. This puts workers at direct risk, as proper training and certification are essential for safe operation.
Recurring Safety Problems at Starbase
This penalty isn’t an isolated incident. A 2023 Reuters investigation uncovered dozens of unreported injuries and even one worker fatality at the Starbase site over the past decade. Data analysis by TechCrunch shows SpaceX’s injury rate at Starbase is significantly higher than at other company facilities or industry competitors.
Just last December, a SpaceX subcontractor filed a lawsuit after being crushed by falling debris from a crane – another incident currently under OSHA review. The pattern suggests systemic shortcomings in safety practices, especially as SpaceX accelerates its launch schedule.
Rapid Expansion Under Pressure
The timing of these violations coincides with SpaceX’s push to increase activity at Starbase, partly driven by political goals to return astronauts to the moon. The company has approval for up to 25 Starship launches this year and is aggressively expanding its complex to meet Elon Musk’s ambition of producing thousands of rockets annually.
This aggressive growth may be outpacing safety measures, creating a dangerous environment for workers. The June 24th crane collapse occurred while SpaceX employees were clearing debris from a recent Starship explosion, underscoring the fast-paced, high-risk nature of operations at the facility.
“The lack of proper inspection procedures and expired certifications demonstrate a disregard for worker safety,” stated OSHA in its citations.
The agency’s investigation remains open, and SpaceX can contest the penalties. However, this latest incident reinforces the urgent need for improved safety oversight at Starbase to prevent future accidents.
