The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently fined SeaWorld Orlando $75,000 for three safety violations, one of which has been classified as “willful” negligence of trainers’ safety.
The fine comes in response to a February 2010 tragedy, when a 12,000 pound killer whale pulled trainer, Dawn Brancheau, 40, by her ponytail drowning and killing her as a horrified audience watched.
In a statement released today, OSHA regional administrator Cindy Coe said “SeaWorld recognized the inherent risk of allowing trainers to interact with potentially dangerous animals.”
“OSHA has issued one willful citation to SeaWorld for exposing its employees to struck-by and drowning hazards when interacting with killer whales,” according to the statement. “The agency defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.”
SeaWorld subsequently released their own statement refuting allegations by OSHA.
“SeaWorld disagrees with the unfounded allegations made by OSHA today and have already informed the agency that we will contest this citation,” read the statement. “OSHA’s allegations in this citation are unsupported by any evidence or precedent and reflect a fundamental lack of understanding of the safety requirements associated with marine mammal care.”
OSHA said that upon receipt, SeaWorld will have 15 days to either comply or contest the citations they are being accused of. SeaWorld plans to contest the fines brought against them and are “confident they will prevail.”