Worker Injury Spurs Significant Penalties
Employee Safety Failures: A San Pedro animal services center faces $563,250 in fines after a serious workplace injury exposed critical safety violations. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) penalized Harbor Animal Services Center following an incident where an employee’s leg was mauled by a dog on May 31, 2024. The injury, which required hospitalization, highlighted longstanding safety lapses at the facility.
Overcrowding and Training Failures Identified
Cal/OSHA’s investigation revealed multiple failures by Harbor Animal Services Center to protect its workers. These findings include:
- Failure to Address Overcrowding Risks: Overcrowding at the animal shelter increased the likelihood of animal attacks and bites, yet management did not evaluate or mitigate these hazards.
- Insufficient Training: Both employees and supervisors lacked adequate training in handling animals and using personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Inadequate PPE Provision: The facility failed to assess workplace hazards and provide appropriate protective gear for employees.
- Poor Emergency Communication: A lack of effective communication systems delayed critical responses to injuries, exacerbating their severity.
These violations directly contributed to the serious injury sustained by the employee, according to Cal/OSHA.
Nature of the Citations
Harbor Animal Services Center, operated by Los Angeles City Animal Services, received citations for six violations. These include one general violation, two willful serious violations, and three willful serious accident-related violations. The willful nature of these offenses underscores the employer’s disregard for worker safety.
Employer Accountability
“Employers have a legal obligation to maintain a safe workplace,” stated a Cal/OSHA representative. The penalties issued to Harbor Animal Services Center reflect the seriousness of their safety failures and the impact on employee well-being.
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For additional details, read the full report on the Cal/OSHA website here.