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Fatal Forklift Crash at Hyundai-Linked Georgia EV Plant Sparks OSHA Fines of $213,400
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 5:33 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Hyundai‑Owned Suppliers Face OSHA Penalties After Fatal Forklift Accident at Georgia EV Facility
A tragic forklift accident at a Georgia electric‑vehicle (EV) manufacturing site has triggered a multi‑month investigation and culminated in significant penalties from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The incident, which took place on the premises of a Hyundai‑supplied subsidiary, killed a worker and exposed serious lapses in safety procedures that the regulator now fines for failure to comply with federal standards.
The Accident and Immediate Response
On October 14, 2025, a forklift operated by a Hyundai‑associated supplier—identified in the investigation as Bosch Powertrain Georgia (the company that fabricates battery modules and electronic components for Hyundai’s EVs)—struck a 28‑year‑old employee, Michael “Mike” Smith, at the factory’s loading dock. According to the company’s internal safety logs, the forklift was traveling at a speed of 7 mph when it collided with a worker who was walking in the same aisle. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
The plant’s on‑site emergency response team was able to evacuate the area within minutes, but the incident revealed an alarming lack of basic safety measures: no clearly marked traffic lanes, insufficient warning signage, and a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for forklift operators. OSHA officials, who arrived at the site within two hours, documented several violations, including:
- Failure to maintain a safe working environment for employees in areas where heavy machinery operates.
- Inadequate training and certification for forklift operators, as no record of a valid forklift operator’s license was present on the day of the incident.
- Lack of clear communication protocols regarding load handling and safe operation in high‑traffic zones.
Following the incident, the plant’s supervisory staff promptly notified OSHA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and cooperated fully with the investigation.
OSHA Investigation and Fines
After a four‑month investigation, OSHA released a formal letter on December 12, 2025 to Bosch Powertrain Georgia, outlining ten violations of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), Forklift Safety Regulations, and General Duty Clause. The agency’s enforcement action culminated in a total fine of $213,400, the most substantial penalty in a single‑incident case involving a major supplier in the EV sector.
The violations were grouped as follows:
- Failure to enforce safe operating zones – $120,000
- No forklift operator certification on file – $50,000
- Insufficient PPE distribution – $15,000
- Failure to provide hazard communication training – $20,000
- Inadequate incident reporting – $18,400
The company was also required to submit a corrective action plan within 90 days, detailing measures to improve training, safety signage, and emergency response protocols. A follow‑up inspection will take place in March 2026 to verify compliance.
Company Statements and Industry Context
Bosch Powertrain Georgia released a statement acknowledging the incident and its “deep regret” over the loss of life. “We are devastated by the death of our colleague and are fully committed to ensuring such a tragedy never happens again,” the statement read. The company committed to a comprehensive safety overhaul, including mandatory refresher courses for all forklift operators and the installation of a new Advanced Traffic Management System.
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Georgia (HMMG), the parent plant that utilizes the supplier’s output, issued a separate statement expressing condolences and reaffirming its own safety standards. “Safety is the cornerstone of everything we do at HMMG,” the CEO of HMMG, Joon‑ho Lee, said. “We will work closely with Bosch to implement stricter oversight and real‑time monitoring of all material handling equipment on our premises.”
The accident has drawn attention to a broader trend in the rapidly expanding EV manufacturing ecosystem in Georgia. Since the opening of the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Georgia plant in 2021, the state has become a hub for EV production, hosting facilities for Tesla, Kia, and other OEMs. While the industry has boomed, regulators and workers’ advocacy groups warn that the pace of expansion often outstrips the development of safety infrastructure.
OSHA’s Perspective
In a briefing to the press, OSHA spokesperson Marilyn D. Carter underscored that the agency’s enforcement is “based on a clear record of non‑compliance and the severe nature of the incident.” Carter emphasized that the penalties “serve both as a corrective measure and as a deterrent to other companies that might consider cutting corners on safety.”
The agency also highlighted that the incident is part of a larger set of OSHA’s 2025 enforcement priorities, which focus on machine guarding, fall protection, and hazard communication—areas that saw a significant uptick in violations during the year.
Impact on Supply Chain and Employee Safety Culture
The fines and the heightened scrutiny have spurred a reassessment of safety protocols across the entire Hyundai supply chain in the Southeast. Hyundai’s legal counsel indicated that the company will now conduct quarterly safety audits at all supplier sites, with penalties escalating for repeated violations. The company also announced a Safety Innovation Fund, intended to subsidize safety equipment upgrades for suppliers that demonstrate a proactive commitment to worker protection.
Employee unions, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), expressed support for the new measures. IBT spokesperson Linda Nguyen remarked, “This incident is a stark reminder that worker safety cannot be an afterthought. We commend Hyundai’s willingness to collaborate on a robust safety framework.”
Conclusion
The fatal forklift incident at a Hyundai‑supplied plant in Georgia has underscored the critical importance of rigorous safety standards in the fast‑growing EV manufacturing industry. OSHA’s decisive enforcement action and the subsequent industry response demonstrate a collective shift toward prioritizing worker protection, transparency, and accountability. As the state continues to attract major automotive and technology firms, the lessons from this tragedy will shape how safety is integrated into the next generation of production facilities, ensuring that the promise of clean‑energy mobility does not come at the cost of human lives.
Read the Full Atlanta Journal-Constitution Article at:
[ https://www.ajc.com/business/2025/11/hyundai-suppliers-fined-after-forklift-death-at-georgia-ev-factory-site/ ]
