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The CEO of a machinery company was killed at a Georgia electric vehicle manufacturing site when a forklift driver, who was using his cellphone while operating heavy machinery, struck him and “ran off,” according to a report.
Sunbok Yoo, 45, CEO of Hyundai subcontractor SBY America, died after being hit by a forklift at the HL-GA battery company’s construction site on March 21, according to a recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration report. Received by WTOC.
According to reports, You was talking with some workers at an electric vehicle manufacturing site when he walked across an area and was hit by a forklift.
At the time he was wearing an eye patch over his right eye and a black vest – despite company rules that he should have worn a high-visibility green vest.
Statements provided to OSHA by a safety manager stated that the forklift operator was talking on the phone while driving. According to the report, after attacking you, the operator “ran away” without checking on the hurt CEO.
According to the OSHA report, the forklift driver worked for a different contractor, Beyond Iron Construction.
Following the incident, OSHA launched an investigation into HL-GA Battery Company, SBY America, Beyond Iron Construction, and another company, Steel Brothers Development, and fined the three businesses.
Beyond Iron Construction received the largest fine, $16,550, after OSHA found it exposed workers to “killing and crushing hazards.” The investigation also found that the company did not ensure that forklift drivers were following traffic rules, including speed limits.
Meanwhile, under your leadership, SBY America was fined just under $10,000. HL-GA Battery Company received a $1,800 fine for failing to submit required work-related injury or illness forms to OSHA.
According to WTOC, you’re not the first person to die during the construction of an EV plant.
Worker Victor Gamboa died at the site in April 2023 after falling 60 feet. Gamboa Steel Contractor Eastern Constructors Inc. He was an employee of and died while trying to reach the top beam of a structural steel frame for a 16 million square foot EV assembly plant. Engineering News-Record reported earlier this year.
Bryan County EMS records showed there were also 53 calls for services at the site over a 16-month period. According to the report, more than a dozen of those calls were for traumatic injuries, including a forklift incident.
Before your death, a construction worker was hospitalized after being injured in a pipe explosion.
OSHA has launched at least 15 investigations into incidents at the site, including your death and the pipe explosion.