US Department of Labor cites SeaWorld after trainer is injured by killer whale

ATLANTA – In September 2024, an employee at SeaWorld’s Orlando theme park was injured during a training exercise with a killer whale. A U.S. Department of Labor investigation found that the trainer was not properly protected from hazards while working with the whale.

The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated the incident and issued a general duty clause serious citation for allowing employees to work in close contact with the whale, exposing them to the potential for bites, struck-by, and drowning hazards. OSHA proposed a fine of $16,550.

SeaWorld has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To learn more about how to prevent hazards when working with animals, employers can contact the agency for information. 

Find resources on complying with OSHA standards.

The citation will be provided upon request.