OSHA wants to fine SeaWorld Orlando after a trainer got injured by a killer whale
Sea World of Florida, which operates as SeaWorld Orlando, has been cited by OSHA for a general violation the agency says led to a trainer being injured while working with a killer whale.
OSHA proposed a $16,550 fine for SeaWorld because “The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.”
On Sept. 24, the trainer and whale were going through desensitization training, which is designed to relax the whale.
“Desensitization is a behavior modification technique in which an animal is gradually and systematically exposed to a trigger stimulus until the stimulus no longer triggers an emotional response,” Veterinary Care Associates Animal Hospitals explains on its website. “Desensitization is an effective behavior modification technique for treatment of fears.”
But, during this time, OSHA’s Citation and Notification of Penalty says, “animal trainers were exposed to the hazard of close contact with a killer whale...This hazard can result in death, fractures, or other injuries from being drowned, crushed, or bitten by the whale.”
OSHA suggested cutting the risk with “physical barriers (such as glass or plastic barriers or removable bars) or a minimum distance between killer whales and trainers.”
Neither SeaWorld, OSHA’s citation nor the U.S. Department of Labor’s announcement got terribly specific about the injuries suffered by the trainer or any possible injuries suffered by the whale. SeaWorld didn’t even give the name of the whale when asked.
“The safety of our guests and employees along with the welfare of the animals in our care are our top priorities,” a SeaWorld spokesperson said in an email to the Miami Herald. “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on regulatory matters.”
SeaWorld can contest the citation, request an informal meeting with the area supervisor or comply by paying the proposed fine.
To file a workplace safety complaint, you can reach OSHA online or by calling 800-321-6742 (OSHA).
