Catherwood LibraryILR School

After a contracted worker broke his jaw while working at a Tesla factory, the company denied any responsibility for dangerous workplace practices. Instead, they blamed the company who contracted him out to Tesla. They are not the only ones pointing the finger at someone else, large corporations have been pushing for the creation of increasingly complex employment arrangements in order to distance themselves and avoid being held accountable for workplace injuries and labor relations disputes. The Supreme Court has signaled a willingness to consider the issues of workplace safety and workers rights in the era of contract work. In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court defined an “independent contractor” as someone in business for himself or herself, not under the company’s control, or working in a job that is outside the usual work of the company. Recent data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an increase in work-related deaths involving contract employees.