OSHA Probes Recent Crane Incident at SpaceX’s Starbase Facility
In November 2025, a significant workplace accident occurred at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas, drawing the attention of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Construction worker Eduardo Cavazos was severely injured when a large metal support detached from a crane and fell on him during the construction of a concrete wall. This incident has prompted OSHA to initiate a rapid response investigation to assess the circumstances and determine necessary actions.
Details of the Incident
On November 15, 2025, Cavazos, employed as a subcontractor for CCC Group—a contractor hired by SpaceX—was engaged in building concrete walls at the Starbase site. During the operation, a crane was lifting a vertical formwork, a structure designed to hold wet concrete until it sets. According to Cavazos’ legal complaint, a metal support weighing approximately 1,200 pounds detached from the formwork and struck him, resulting in multiple injuries, including fractures to his hip, knee, and tibia, as well as trauma to his neck, head, shoulders, back, and legs.
An amended petition filed by Cavazos’ attorneys alleges that the crane operator, another CCC Group employee, was using a cell phone at the time of the accident. The operator reportedly recklessly lowered the formwork, causing it to hit the ground unexpectedly, which startled Cavazos and his colleagues. Subsequently, the operator abruptly lifted the formwork, leading to the detachment and fall of the metal support that injured Cavazos.
Legal Actions and OSHA Investigation
Following the incident, Cavazos filed a lawsuit against both CCC Group and SpaceX, accusing them of negligence. The lawsuit claims that the companies failed to ensure the metal support was securely attached and did not adequately warn workers of potential hazards. Cavazos is seeking unspecified damages for his injuries and the associated medical treatments, which may include physical therapy, medications, pain management, and possible surgical interventions.
OSHA has initiated a rapid response investigation into the incident. This type of investigation typically involves the agency requesting detailed information from the employer to decide whether an on-site inspection is warranted. As of now, OSHA is awaiting SpaceX’s response to their information request.
Previous Safety Concerns at Starbase
This recent accident is not an isolated event at the Starbase facility. In June 2025, a crane collapse occurred at the site, leading to another OSHA investigation. The details regarding injuries from that incident remain unclear, as neither SpaceX nor Starbase city officials have provided comments. The collapse was captured on video by LabPadre, a group that regularly documents activities at the facility.
The Starbase facility has been under scrutiny for its safety record. In 2024, the Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) at Starbase was approximately 4.27 injuries per 100 workers, higher than the aerospace manufacturing industry’s average of 1.6. This rate also surpassed those of other SpaceX facilities, such as the McGregor, Texas rocket testing site (TRIR of 2.48) and the Hawthorne, California location (TRIR of 1.43). Former OSHA chief of staff Debbie Berkowitz described Starbase’s TRIR as a red flag indicating serious safety issues that need to be addressed.
Transparency and Reporting Issues
Transparency regarding safety incidents at Starbase has been a concern. Companies are required to report serious injuries to OSHA within 24 hours if they involve hospitalizations, amputations, or the loss of an eye. While SpaceX reported Cavazos’ injury, leading to the current investigation, the company was previously fined $7,000 in June 2025 for failing to report a different injury at Starbase that met these criteria. SpaceX contested the penalty, and the matter was settled under undisclosed terms.
Future Developments at Starbase
Despite these safety challenges, SpaceX continues to expand its operations at Starbase. The company is constructing a $250 million, 700,000-square-foot rocket factory, dubbed Gigabay, expected to be completed by the end of 2026. This facility aims to produce up to 1,000 Starship rockets annually, aligning with CEO Elon Musk’s vision of developing massive rockets capable of missions to the Moon and Mars.
However, the pressure to meet ambitious timelines has raised concerns about worker safety. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy recently criticized SpaceX for not progressing swiftly enough in returning astronauts to the Moon. Duffy suggested that NASA might consider using rockets from other companies, such as Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, to achieve lunar missions before China, which plans a Moon landing attempt in 2029.
Conclusion
The recent crane accident at SpaceX’s Starbase facility underscores ongoing safety challenges as the company rapidly expands its operations. The outcome of OSHA’s investigation and the legal proceedings initiated by Eduardo Cavazos may have significant implications for SpaceX’s safety practices and its ambitious plans for space exploration.
