SeaWorld Cited by US Department of Labor After Trainer Injured by Killer Whale
SeaWorld faces a $16,550 OSHA fine after a killer whale injured a trainer.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Mar 24, 2025
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.
OSHA 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.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.