OSHA fines SeaWorld in fatal whale attack on trainer
August 25, 2010 by Fred HosierPosted in: Bizarre Accident of the Week, Falls, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, What do you think?, Who Got Fined and Why?
OSHA has cited SeaWorld of Florida for three safety violations following the death of an animal trainer who was pulled under the water by a six-ton killer whale in Orlando.
The total fine is $75,000.
On Feb. 24, the whale, Tilikum, dragged trainer Dawn Brancheau under the water by grabbing her ponytail in front of about 50 spectators.
The autopsy report said Brancheau’s death was due to drowning and traumatic injuries.
OSHA says its investigation showed SeaWorld trainers had an extensive history of unexpected and potentially dangerous incidents involving killer whales at its various locations, including the one in Orlando.
The agency proposes that trainers not have physical contact with Tilikum unless they’re protected by a physical barrier.
- one willful citation for exposing employees to struck-by and drowning hazards when interacting with killer whales ($70,000)
- one serious citation for exposing employees to a fall hazard by failing to install a stairway railing system on a stage ($5,000), and
- one other-than-serious violation for failing to equip outdoor electrical receptacles in the stadium with weatherproof enclosures (no monetary penalty).
SeaWorld is contesting the citations and fines. In a statement, SeaWorld said it “disagrees with the unfounded allegations made by OSHA. 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.”
SeaWorld says it has conducted its own investigation into the fatality and has made changes to its safety program for the trainers who work with the whales.
What do you think? Should SeaWorld face an OSHA fine for the death of the trainer? Let us know in the Comments Box below.
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Tags: Dawn Brancheau, drowning, killer whale, SeaWorld, Tilikum
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August 26th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Does OSHA have inspectors that are specific to the nature of their work? If not then maybe they are correct in contesting the violations handed down by OSHA.
August 31st, 2010 at 2:39 pm
“The agency proposes that trainers not have physical contact with Tilikum unless they’re protected by a physical barrier.”
I’m not sure if this is what OSHA actually said, or if it is poor editing. How do you have physical contact with something if there is a barrier between yourself and whatever you’re touching, especially when that something is an orca? I’m no marine biologist, but I don’t think a suit, glove, or any kind of mask would have made a big difference in this event.
I they mean a cage, I’m still not sure that would suffice. I think the unfortunate reality is that (based on what I’ve read before) Tilikum is not a trustworthy animal. I wish they could let the animal go, but I guess there are issues with that as well.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:39 pm
As an animal trainer i will be the first to admit that wild animals somtimes exibit unusual behaviors. We are trained to recognize these behaviors and react accordingly. We spend hundreds to thousands of hours with these animals without incident and know the dangers of our jobs. These animals are sometimes too playful and can hurt/kill without aggression. What we need to remember is these are WILD ANIMALS. This was an accident not a purpodent!!!!!
August 31st, 2010 at 4:50 pm
It is beyond me as to why this large, dangerous and beautiful wild animal would become violent when locked in a tank at Sea World. REALLY…… Can you imagine being kept from your family and having your only means of communication bounce off the cement walls to come back to you. There is another killer whale in one of Florida’s aquariums that has been there for 30 years. Studies show this whale could be taken back to Pugent Sound where she was captured and she would immediately be accepted by her own family or pod. She responds to recordings of her family swimming in the oceans off Washington state. She is being kept in a tank that is barely big enough for her to swim around in and from what I hear her flippers can touch the bottom as she floats on the surface. I am sure Sea World knows where Tilikum was captured. Why not release him back into his pod. At least if he is going to die, let him die in the ocean from whence he came. To keep these creatures for the amusement of humans is shameful. Anyone who attends one of these shows and takes joy at watching these majestic creatures do tricks should be ashamed of themselves.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:58 pm
It is good to see that they weren’t fined for any HazComm violations…I’m pretty sure the tank was labeled KILLER whale. One should think that gives a clue to the risk.
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:42 am
This sounds like another OSHA money-grab to me. As Scott points out, these are wild animals and can kill even when not being agressive. This trainer-animal interaction is part of the show - big dangerous animal and vulnerable human. Did OSHA ever inspect this facility before this incident? If yes, were these safety concerns ever expressed by OSHA? If no, then they must have figured this was a low-risk operation. But, since something unfortunate happened, OSHA is right there ready to take SeaWorld’s money.
So, what does OSHA want trainers in this situation to do? Wear an armor suit and SCUBA gear?