Tesla Inc. is facing potential punishment after a worker died in an accident at its Shanghai factory on February 4, according to an investigation by local authorities. The probe found that there were faults in Tesla's risk control measures and that the company should be held responsible. It was also found that the worker who died was directly responsible for the accident. The worker failed to lock a safety gate during a late shift, and another worker failed to ensure that the area was clear of people before turning on the equipment.
The investigators have recommended an unspecified administrative penalty for Tesla. The company has not yet commented on the matter.
Tesla's Shanghai plant opened a little over three years ago and produced more than half of the company's global output in 2022. China accounts for 22% of Tesla's revenue. In recent days, Tesla workers in Shanghai have taken to social media to say that their bonuses have been cut since the accident, and there is speculation that this may be related to the death at the plant. Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has said that he is looking into the matter.
Tesla has faced criticism in the past over its safety record, with concerns raised about the company's Autopilot system and its manufacturing processes. The company has been working to improve its safety measures and has introduced a number of new features to its vehicles in recent years to address these concerns. However, this latest incident is a reminder that there is still work to be done to ensure the safety of workers in Tesla's factories.