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Tesla.
Super fast, stylish, eco-friendly, high tech, and they include a nod to one of my favorite 80’s movies, Spaceballs (Ludicrous Speed, GO!). What’s not to like?! Aside from the price tag, I love everything about all of the Tesla car lines. Elon Musk, Space X, and his vision to move away from fossil fuels and use renewable energy to power everything from cars and planes to homes is a huge step in the right direction.
(Ludicrous Speed, GO! scene in case (gasp!) you haven’t seen it before)…..
Unfortunately, Tesla isn’t quite up to Ludicrous Speed when it comes to worker safety and coverage for on-the-job injuries.
Unsafe work environments and accidents
A number of articles have been recently published detailing unsafe work environments at the Tesla factory, as well as underreporting the number of work-related accidents by company doctors. An article on theverge.com reports that employees are told they can’t call 911 unless they have permission from the company clinic’s doctors. Wait, what?
I understand that staying in business means having an eye on the bottom line, and coverage for workplace injuries can be costly. But I’m surprised that a progressive company like Tesla would be so regressive with their worker safety policies.
Your right to file workers’ compensation/L&I claim in Washington
In Washington State, the Department of L&I has strict rules in place about claim suppression and retaliation. And while several large companies some of my clients have worked with do employ staff nurses or offer on-site medical treatment, if you’re injured at work, you always have the right to file a workers’ compensation/Labor and Industries claim in Washington. This right is guaranteed to you regardless of fault, and should be free from duress or retaliation by your employer.
Help for your workers’ compensation claim in Washington
If you feel like your company has policies in place that are aimed at preventing you from filing an L&I claim in Washington, call 1-800-LISTENS (547-8367) to report the situation. If you’ve already filed a claim and you’re being subjected to discrimination or retaliation, contact Carlisle & Byers for a free consultation.
