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Tesla has dismissed allegations regarding insufficient health and safety measures at its Berlin-based gigafactory. The U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer responded to recent claims made by German union IG Metall and local media reports in Brandenburg, which cited an unusually high rate of work-related accidents at the facility employing around 11,000 workers, reports Reuters.
The reports included incidents of severe injuries such as burns and amputations. IG Metall stated that its membership numbers from Tesla employees have surged due to growing concerns over health, safety, and excessive workload. However, Reuters could not independently confirm the union’s claims or the media reports.
In an official statement, Tesla emphasized that worker safety is a top priority. The company noted that employees receive proper safety training and protective clothing. The plant undergoes regular inspections by local authorities to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Tesla did not comment on the specific allegations concerning the number of accidents or workers taking sick leave.
Reuters interviewed twelve factory workers; while four expressed satisfaction with their working conditions, eight cited high pressure for speed, frequent accidents, and issues with overtime pay.
Brandenburg’s occupational safety and health authority informed Reuters that it only keeps records of severe work-related accidents requiring over six weeks of inpatient care or causing permanent physical damage. According to the authority, six such incidents have occurred at the Tesla plant in 2021 and 2022. The authority also conducts bi-weekly and unannounced safety checks every 6-8 weeks.
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No doubt there are incidents but there is also a coordinated campaign against Tesla on all levels from every angle in Germany. Tesla is very aware of this and therefore operating as “squeaky clean” as possible in order to first of all be a responsible employer/manufacturer and second in order to be sustainable period.