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Tesla Fined $89K By State Workplace Safety Officials For Worker Injuries

FREMONT (CBS/AP) -- Tesla Motors, an electric car manufacturer in Northern California, has been fined $89,000 by state workplace safety officials for violations related to an incident that injured three workers last year.

The San Jose Mercury News cited a report from California Division of Occupational Safety and Health saying that Tesla failed to ensure that a low-pressure aluminum casting press was maintained in a safe operating condition. Workers weren't wearing protective gear on Nov. 13 when the casting press failed, splattering molten metal on them and causing second- and third-degree burns and setting their clothing on fire.

The men were identified as Jesus Navarro, Kevin Carter and Jorge Terrazas.

The Mercury News reports that Tesla didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

The company has 15 days to file an appeal or contest the fines.

© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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