This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies
By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More
This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
ISHN logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
ISHN logo
  • Home
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Editions
    • Archives
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Subscribe
  • Topics
    • Environment
    • Environmental Health and Safety
    • Government Regulations
    • Health
    • Industrial Hygiene
    • Occupational Safety
    • PPE
    • Product Case Studies
    • Psychology
    • Safety Culture
    • Training
    • Transportation Safety
    • More Topics
  • Construction
  • Oil & Gas
  • Columns
    • Editorial Comments
    • Best Practices
    • Positive Cultures
    • Training Strategies
    • Closing Time
    • FR Protection
    • Thought Leadership
  • Products
  • Conventions
    • Convention Companion
  • Multimedia
    • eBooks
    • Infographics
    • Photo Galleries
    • ISHN Podcasts
    • Your Digital Mentor Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • ISHN YouTube Videos
  • More
    • Awards
      • 2020 Readers' Choice Awards- Submit Products
    • eNewsletters
    • Events
    • ISHN Store
    • Product Case Studies
    • Product Innovations
    • Showrooms
    • Vendor News
  • Advertise
    • Contact
Home » SeaWorld fights Cal/OSHA in court
Occupational SafetyToday's News

SeaWorld fights Cal/OSHA in court

Theme park company says killer whale trainers are safe

Todays-News.jpg
September 25, 2015
KEYWORDS killer whales / theme park safety
Reprints

The company that operates SeaWorld theme parks and the California agency responsible for protecting the state’s workers are clashing in court. SeaWorld Entertainment is contesting four citations issued by California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health in April alleging that measures used to protect employees who work closely with killer whales are insufficient.

Proposed penalties for the citations are $25. The company reported sales of $606 million for the first six months of the year.

The legal proceedings are playing out against a larger backdrop that includes the 2010 drowning death of killer whale trainer Dawn Brancheau, who was killed by a 12,000-pound orca  in front of a horrified Orlando audience, the release of “Blackfish,” a documentary film which was heavily critical of the theme park’s treatment of captive animals and social media-amplified incidents like a recommendation by Harry Styles of the band One Direction to boycott SeaWorld.

The company has modified procedures since Brancheau’s death. While killer whales and trainers no longer perform together during shows, their behind-the-scenes training and interactions lack adequate safeguards, according to Cal/OSHA.

According to news sources, SeaWorld attorney Larry Iser accused the state of being influenced by an anti-SeaWorld agenda promoted by animal rights activists. Iser said he would show that the park has physical features in place to protect workers and uses veterinarians to ensure that interactions between people and whales are safe.

Division of Occupational Safety and Health Attorney Melissa Peters contended that the park’s procedures do not protect those who must work in close proximity to killer whales.

SeaWorld contested the citations it received for conditions leading to Brancheau's death. It lost that court battle and was ordered to make changes to better protect employees. It appealed the court's decision and lost the appeal.

The current legal proceedings are expected to be lengthy.

Subscribe to ISHN Magazine

Related Articles

Court turns down SeaWorld’s appeal of OSHA citations

SeaWorld loses court battle with OSHA

Related Events

Free webinar: OSHA 30/30

Related Directories

Industrial Truck Safety Consultants, LLC

A V Systems Inc.

Mastery Training Services

Subscribe For Free!
  • Digital Edition Subscriptions
  • ISHN eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

Today's News

2 young part-time UPS workers killed in California

Today's News

Steel worker injured at Indiana plant

Tesla

Report finds worker injuries are “routine” at Tesla’s Nevada plant

crystal ball

Safety and health trends for 2020

Lendlease

Humorous workplace safety campaign features mothers

ISHN Readers' Choice Awards 2020 product submissions


Events

March 7, 2019

Safety and Wellness: The Combination that Drives Engagement and Profitability

On Demand Attend this webinar for the keys to success, as well as mistakes to avoid, when targeting safety and wellness with a Recognition & Reward Program.

View All Submit An Event

ISHN Podcasts


ISHN Podcasts

ISHN Magazine

ISHN1219_cover.jpg

2019 December

Among the articles in the December 2019 issue of ISHN Magazine, we have expert insight on selecting the right respirator, a link to the 2020 Buyers’ & Resource Guide, 10 safety mistakes that can land you in a courtroom, and much more.
View More Create Account
  • Resources
    • List Rental
    • Safety A-Z
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • Web Exclusives
    • Privacy Policy
  • Want More
    • Connect
    • Subscribe
    • Survey And Sample

Copyright ©2019. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing