December 18, 2024 - Los Angeles - The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has issued $563,250 in penalties to Harbor Animal Services Center, based in San Pedro, California, for failing to evaluate and correct overcrowding at their animal shelter, which resulted in animal attacks and bites on employees. An employee was mauled on May 31, 2024, due to the employer’s willful violations of safety regulations.
Cal/OSHA, a division of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), found that the employer had significant safety and training lapses, which put employees of Harbor Animal Services Center in harm’s way and resulted in a serious injury to the worker, whose leg was badly mauled, requiring hospitalization.
What Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee said: “This incident underscores the severe consequences that arise when employers fail to take proper measures to protect their staff from preventable risks. While we cannot undo the harm caused, we can hold employers accountable. Every employee deserves a workplace that prioritizes their health and safety.”
Cal/OSHA has cited Los Angeles City Animal Services operating as Harbor Animal Services Center for six violations, including one general, two willful serious, and three willful serious accident-related in nature. Cal/OSHA’s key findings of the employer’s failure to protect its employees included:
- Overcrowding of Animals: The employer failed to evaluate and mitigate risks caused by overcrowding, which led to employee injuries from animal attacks.
- Inadequate Training: Employees and supervisors received insufficient training in handling animals or using personal protective devices.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Proper assessment and provision of personal protective equipment were not conducted.
- Emergency Communication: The lack of an effective communication system delayed critical emergency response and treatment for injuries.
About Cal/OSHA
DIR’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA, helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.
Workers who have questions about safety and health hazards on the job can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a Cal/OSHA representative Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
Employers with Questions on Requirements May Contact: InfoCons@dir.ca.gov, or call your local Cal/OSHA Consultation Office.
The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency
Source: California Department of Industrial Relations
