This past May, a tragic construction site accident claimed the life of a worker at the HL-GA Battery Co. plant in Bryan County, Georgia. According to reports from the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, a load fell off a forklift, fatally striking the man. This fatal forklift accident, which occurred at the future site of an electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plant, has prompted an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It also marks the second fatal forklift accident at the same facility in just two months.
As the EV industry surges forward with multi-billion-dollar investments and rapid construction projects, this tragedy underscores a persistent concern: are safety protocols keeping up with the pace of development?
The Tragic Incident at HL-GA Battery Co.
The fatal accident took place at on May 20, 2025, at the HL-GA Battery Co. construction site, located about 25 miles from downtown Savannah. This plant is being constructed as part of a $4.3 billion joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution. Once complete, the facility is expected to produce batteries for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicles, with full operations beginning in 2026.
While full details of the accident are still under investigation, preliminary reports indicate that a load being carried by a forklift became dislodged and fell onto a worker, resulting in fatal injuries. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but the worker could not be saved.
This is not the first such incident at the site. OSHA confirmed it is also investigating a previous fatal forklift accident that occurred on March 21, 2025, at the same facility. The recurrence of such incidents has sparked serious questions about whether proper safety protocols are being followed during the high-paced construction of the massive plant.
OSHA Launches Investigation into Site Safety
In the wake of the most recent fatality, OSHA – a division of the U.S. Department of Labor – has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. OSHA inspectors will assess the site’s compliance with federal safety standards, including those specific to forklift operation, construction site safety, and hazard communication.
Forklift-related fatalities are unfortunately not uncommon. According to OSHA data, forklifts cause approximately 85 fatal accidents per year and thousands of serious injuries. Many of these accidents stem from operator error, insufficient training, mechanical failure, or improper load handling – all of which are preventable with proper oversight and enforcement of safety standards.
The fact that two workers have died in forklift-related incidents at the same facility within two months raises red flags. OSHA’s investigation will likely focus on several critical factors, including:
- Whether the forklift operator was properly trained and certified
- If safety protocols for securing loads were followed
- Whether adequate safety oversight existed at the site
- If subcontractors and third-party companies complied with OSHA regulations
- Whether previous safety complaints or violations were documented
Statement from Hyundai Motor Group
Following the incident, Hyundai Motor North America issued a public statement expressing condolences and pledging full cooperation with investigators. Michael Stewart, a company spokesperson, stated:
“LG Energy Solution and Hyundai Motor Group are deeply saddened by the tragic incident. The health and safety of everyone at our facilities and construction sites is our highest priority. Our direct employees as well as our subcontractors understand our commitment to safety and Occupational Industrial Safety and Health policies. Together with the subcontractor and relevant authorities, we are fully supporting a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident and to help prevent such accidents in the future.”
Legal Questions Arising from Fatal Workplace Accidents
When a worker dies in a construction site accident, multiple parties may bear legal responsibility, especially if there is evidence of safety violations or contractor negligence. In cases involving forklift accidents, there are a number of legal issues to consider:
- Was There Employer Negligence?
- Employers and contractors are obligated to maintain a safe work environment under federal and state law. If the employer failed to:
- Provide adequate training
- Maintain equipment
- Supervise operations properly
- Follow OSHA standards
Then they may be held liable for negligence, especially if these failures contributed to a worker’s death.
Who Was Operating the Forklift?
Liability may also hinge on who was operating the forklift and whether they were qualified to do so. Forklift operators must be certified under OSHA regulations and must receive refresher training when circumstances change, such as new hazards or equipment.
Were Subcontractors Involved?
Large industrial projects often involve multiple subcontractors and third-party vendors. If a subcontractor employed the forklift operator or was responsible for safety oversight, they too could face liability. It is critical to conduct a thorough investigation to determine who controlled the work environment
The Role of OSHA Citations in Civil Lawsuits
If OSHA’s investigation reveals violations of safety standards, the agency may issue citations and penalties to the responsible party. While OSHA fines can pressure employers to improve safety, they also serve another purpose: they can support a civil lawsuit.
Safety Should Never Be Compromised for Speed
The HL-GA Battery Co. plant represents a major step in America’s transition to clean energy and electric transportation. But as this tragedy makes clear, progress cannot come at the expense of worker safety.
As construction continues at rapid speed across the country, particularly in the EV and renewable energy sectors, companies must prioritize safety with the same urgency they apply to project deadlines. Training, oversight, and proper equipment handling aren’t optional – they are literal matters of life and death!!
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