--- title: "Rivian Factory Workers Report Horrific Injuries Like Cracked Skull, Amputated Finger" description: "Working in an auto manufacturing plant is dangerous; that much is unavoidable. There are big, complex machines to get caught in, heavy equipment to be squashed by, and dangerous chemicals that can be accidentally ingested. Still, when major injuries happen…" date: "2024-10-23" modified: "2024-10-23" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/rivian-factory-workers-report-horrific-injuries-like-cracked-skull-amputated-finger" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Rivian News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "r1t" - "Rivian" --- # Rivian Factory Workers Report Horrific Injuries Like Cracked Skull, Amputated Finger ![]() *Rivian* Working in an auto manufacturing plant is dangerous; that much is unavoidable. There are big, complex machines to get caught in, heavy equipment to be squashed by, and dangerous chemicals that can be accidentally ingested. Still, when major injuries happen regularly, alarm bells should sound. Such is reportedly the case at [Rivian's]() Normal, Illinois plant, where more serious health and safety violations have occurred than at any other American auto plant in the past year. *[Bloomberg]()* published an in-depth investigation Tuesday stating Rivian received 16 initial citations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 21 months. No other auto manufacturer in America had more than 10, while Volkswagen, [BMW](), and Subaru had none. Admittedly, none of those 16 initial citations were repeat citations, which are far worse, but the number of different citations seems to indicate a widespread lack of safety protocols. A Rivian spokesperson told *Bloomberg*, “Initial citations should not be confused as final citations, and to suggest otherwise is incredibly misleading.” However, according to OSHA head David Michaels, the initial citation is typically the more truthful one. “OSHA’s objective is to get the hazard abated," he told *Bloomberg*. The idea is that OSHA doesn't want a long, drawn out, potentially unresolved legal dispute as that will take longer to fix the issue. OSHA will then downgrade the citation if the automaker settles and makes safety improvements. “And so OSHA is often willing to reduce both the penalties and the number of citations in order to get that settlement," Michaels explained. *The Drive* reached out to Rivian and will update this story with its response*.* ![]() *Rivian* In those 21 months, the injuries that Rivian plant workers suffered reportedly included an amputated finger, a severe back laceration, a fractured foot, and even a cracked skull. One employee who worked in the paint booth claims that she regularly vomited so much blue bile she began suffering weight loss. When she asked for a respirator, she said she was denied. Eventually, she was moved to wiping down cars at the end of the assembly line, where she was told to climb on top of a vehicle while it was still on the production line. She says she was later relieved of her duties for failing to provide enough documentation to justify her sick leave. “We provide all necessary safety equipment, including respirators,” a Rivian spokesperson told *Bloomberg*. "The health and safety of everyone at Rivian is our top priority, and we’re proud of our strong safety record—which continues to improve year over year." Rivian also claimed that its work-related injuries and illnesses are better than the industry average for light truck manufacturers. And even OSHA said that Rivian “has improved their safety and health team and are very cooperative with the OSHA process.” Safety improvements are great, but they should happen before someone cracks their skull or allegedly vomits Rivian Blue bile. United Auto Workers has been [trying to unionize Rivian plant employees]() for years now, which could help improve safety standards throughout the facility. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()