A chief executive has been killed in a tragic accident at a major electric vehicle battery construction site in Georgia, USA, after a forklift driver using his mobile phone struck him.
Fatal Incident and OSHA Findings
Sunbok You, the 45-year-old CEO of Hyundai subcontractor SBY America, died on 21 March after being hit by a forklift at the HL-GA Battery Company construction site. A recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) report obtained by WTOC revealed critical details.
You was conversing with workers when he walked across an area and was struck. The report noted he was wearing an eye patch and a black vest, contravening company rules which mandated a high-visibility green vest.
Statements from a site safety manager confirmed the forklift operator was talking on his phone while driving. Alarmingly, after the collision, the operator "ran away" without checking on the injured CEO.
Multiple Companies Fined After Investigation
OSHA opened an investigation into multiple firms following the fatality: HL-GA Battery Company, SBY America, Beyond Iron Construction, and Steel Brothers Development. Three companies received fines.
Beyond Iron Construction, which employed the forklift driver, received the largest penalty of $16,550. OSHA found the company exposed employees to "struck-by and crushing hazards" and failed to ensure forklift drivers followed traffic rules, including speed limits.
SBY America, the victim's own company, was fined just under $10,000. HL-GA Battery Company was penalised $1,800 for failing to submit required injury forms to OSHA.
A History of Safety Incidents at the Site
This was not the first death at the EV plant construction site. In April 2023, worker Victor Gamboa died after falling 60 feet from a structural steel frame.
Bryan County EMS records show 53 calls for service were made to the site over a 16-month period, with over a dozen for traumatic injuries. These included another forklift incident and a hospitalisation from a pipe explosion prior to You's death.
OSHA has now opened at least 15 investigations into incidents at the location, underscoring ongoing safety concerns.
