SpaceX—SpaceX Starlink lab exposed workers to toxic chemicals for over a year despite internal warnings
At SpaceX's Redmond Starlink lab, workers were exposed to lead dust and toxic fumes from inadequate ventilation. Internal safety managers flagged concerns in October 2023 but ventilation was not improved for over a year. Workers reported serious health issues including one hospitalization and a miscarriage. Washington state cited SpaceX for three violations and fined the company $6,000 after a worker went on medical leave and reported the company.
Scoring Impact
| Topic | Direction | Relevance | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worker Rights | -against | primary | -1.00 |
| Overall incident score = | -0.443 | ||
Score = avg(topic contributions) × significance (high ×1.5) × confidence (0.59)× agency (negligent ×0.5)
Evidence (1 signal)
Washington state cited SpaceX for toxic exposure violations at Starlink lab
Washington Labor & Industries opened a four-month investigation after a worker went on medical leave and reported SpaceX. The state cited SpaceX for three violations including failing to evaluate workers' exposure and having lead dust on shelves in the soldering lab. Emails show safety managers flagged concerns in October 2023 but ventilation wasn't improved for over a year.