Legal new for Florida employment attorneys. OSHA fined Walt Disney World over the death of a monorail operator.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) fined Walt Disney World over the death of a monorail operator.
Orlando, FL—The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) http://www.osha.gov/ cited Walt Disney World for serious violations which contributed to the death of a monorail operator during an accident on July 5, 2009. Disney was cited on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 with fines reaching $44,000, as reported by The Miami Herald.
The fines were imposed for contributions to the death of Austin Wuennenberg, 21, and other various workplace violations. Wuennenberg was fatally injured as another train was changing tracks and backed into the monorail train Wuennenberg was operating. OSHA cited Disney for failing to provide a hazard-free workplace, which could contribute to injury or death of employees. In addition, OSHA advised Disney to follow the instructions provided by the monorail manufacturer, which warn of potential hazards when the trains are operating in reverse and to supply a spotter to watch the train reverse. Also, Disney was asked to supply written instructions and training for monorail console operators; as well as ensuring a coordinator is in a control tower when directing monorail operations at the theme park. Three other citations were also issued to Disney for violations unrelated to Wuennenberg’s untimely death. Disney reportedly has already enacted several of the recommendations by OSHA, since the fatal accident occurred.
Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Florida employment lawyers.
