A new report from Bloomberg has shed light on alarming safety conditions at Rivian’s factory in Normal, Illinois, where serious workplace injuries have become prevalent. Workers have described severe incidents, including cracked skulls, amputated fingers, and one employee vomiting blue-tinted bile after painting vehicles without adequate safety gear.
Since early 2023, the electric vehicle manufacturer has racked up 16 serious citations from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), surpassing other automakers in the same period, despite operating only one factory.
Rivian’s rapid production ramp-up, fueled by demand for its luxury SUVs and Amazon delivery vans, appears to have exacerbated safety lapses. Employees report inadequate safety training and insufficient protective gear, contributing to significant injuries.
A particularly concerning case involved 20-year-old Addison Zwanzig, who experienced dizziness and vomiting after working in the paint room without a respirator, which was provided only after months of complaints. While Rivian later supplied respirators for other workers, the company declined to comment on Zwanzig’s situation due to privacy concerns.
Despite these reports, Rivian asserts that it has taken measures to improve safety and has cooperated with OSHA. However, former OSHA officials argue that initial citations provide a clearer picture of workplace hazards.
Rivian disputes the portrayal in the Bloomberg article, stating that many initial violations were downgraded or dismissed. As one of Normal’s largest employers, Rivian has invested over $2 billion in the plant, which has produced more than 100,000 electric vehicles since its opening in 2021.
