SeaWorld Orlando is facing a federal fine after an employee was injured during a training exercise with a killer whale. The U.S. Department of Labor said in a release that the incident happened in September 2024. The department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated the incident and determined the trainer was not "properly protected from hazards while working with the whale," the release states. OSHA issued a serious citation against SeaWorld for allowing employees to work in close contact with the killer whale. The release states SeaWorld exposed the employee to the potential for bites and drowning hazards. OSHA proposed a fine of $16,550. The department's statement dated March 21 states SeaWorld has 15 business days from the 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.