SpaceX Starbase Safety Under Scrutiny After Construction Worker’s Lawsuit

A construction worker was severely injured at SpaceX‘s Starbase facility last November. Eduardo Cavazos was building a concrete wall when a heavy metal support fell from a crane. The incident is now part of a lawsuit and a federal safety investigation.

According to TechCrunch, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) opened a rapid response investigation. This marks at least the second crane-related accident at the Texas launch site under investigation this year.

Details of the Serious Worksite Injury Emerge

The lawsuit provides new details. Eduardo Cavazos was working for a SpaceX contractor, CCC Group, on November 15. A crane was moving a large concrete formwork when a 1,200-pound metal support detached.

It struck Cavazos directly. The impact broke his hip, knee, and tibia. He also suffered injuries to his neck, head, shoulders, back, and legs.

His lawyers claim in an amended petition that the crane operator was using a cell phone. They allege the operator recklessly lowered and then lifted the formwork, causing the accident. Cavazos is suing both CCC Group and SpaceX for negligence.

Representatives for SpaceX and CCC Group did not respond to requests for comment. OSHA is still waiting for SpaceX’s full response to its information request.

A Pattern of Incidents at the Texas Launch Site

This injury adds to a concerning safety record at Starbase. A Reuters investigation previously uncovered numerous injuries and one death at the site since construction began.

Public OSHA data reveals a high injury rate. In 2024, Starbase’s Total Recordable Incident Rate was 4.27 injuries per 100 workers. The average for aerospace manufacturing is 1.6.

Former OSHA chief of staff Debbie Berkowitz called the rate a “red flag.” She said it indicates serious safety issues that need addressing. Transparency has also been a problem, with SpaceX previously fined for not reporting a serious injury.

The pressure to build and innovate is immense. SpaceX is constructing a massive new rocket factory at Starbase aimed at producing Starship vehicles. Meanwhile, NASA has expressed concern over development pace for moon missions.

This latest lawsuit and OSHA probe casts a long shadow over operations at Starbase. The ongoing investigation into SpaceX Starbase safety will be closely watched by regulators and the industry.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What happened to the worker at Starbase?

Eduardo Cavazos suffered multiple broken bones. A 1,200-pound metal crane support fell on him, breaking his hip, knee, and tibia.

Who is investigating the SpaceX accident?

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting a rapid response investigation. They are currently awaiting information from SpaceX.

Is this the first safety issue at Starbase?

No. This is the second known crane accident OSHA is probing this year. The site has a higher injury rate than the aerospace industry average.

What is SpaceX building at Starbase?

The company is developing its Starship rocket and building a giant new factory called “Gigabay.” The goal is to mass-produce vehicles for moon and Mars missions.

Has SpaceX commented on the lawsuit?

No. Representatives for SpaceX and the contractor, CCC Group, did not respond to requests for comment from journalists.