OSHA Investigates: Electrical Shock at Universal’s Epic Universe, What Are Your Rights?

Universal’s Epic Universe, the newest addition to Orlando’s theme park landscape, recently faced scrutiny following a serious electrical incident. An employee suffered a severe electrical shock during routine maintenance, raising concerns about workplace safety and employee rights. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) 166 people died and 1,900 were injured in workplace accidents involving electricity in 2019. This blog post delves into the details of the incident, OSHA’s investigation, and what your rights are if you experience a similar accident.

The Incident at Epic Universe

On April 24, 2025, an employee at Universal’s Epic Universe was “severely shocked” while performing maintenance on the Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry ride. The incident occurred at approximately 7:22 a.m., before the park opened to the public. The employee came into contact with a 480-volt busbar, a component that distributes power to the ride vehicles. The busbar was not locked out as required by safety procedures, leading to the electrical shock.

The employee sustained serious injuries, including a dislocated shoulder, fractured arm, and multiple broken ribs and was hospitalized at Orlando Health in downtown Orlando.

OSHA’s Investigation and Findings

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an investigation into the incident. OSHA investigated the worker’s injury, conducted a site visit and found “no unusual circumstances encountered … such as abatement problems, expected contest and/or negative employer attitude.”

OSHA’s investigation revealed that the ride vehicle is typically locked out in three separate locations during maintenance, and the electrical circuit powering the busbar is normally de-energized. In this case, those steps were not fully followed.

As a result of the investigation, OSHA initially proposed a $16,550 penalty, which was later reduced to $11,585 following an informal settlement with Universal. Universal Orlando did not provide a public comment regarding the incident.

Understanding Your Rights After an Electrical Shock at Work

If you experience an electrical shock at work, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health and safety are the top priorities. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Internal injuries from electrical currents can worsen quickly and aren’t always visible. Emergency responders will stabilize the victim, treat burns and other immediate trauma.

2. Report the Incident

Report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. In New York, it’s required to report workplace injuries to your employer within 30 days to preserve your rights to workers’ compensation benefits. Provide a written account of the accident and the injuries sustained.

3. Document Everything

Take detailed notes on the accident, including the date, time, location, and circumstances. If possible, take photographs or video of the accident scene, your injuries, and any equipment involved. Details such as weather conditions, signage, and safety equipment can be vital for investigations and legal proceedings.

4. Gather Witness Information

Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Their statements may be critical during an OSHA investigation or any legal action you might pursue.

5. Know Your Legal Options

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may have several legal options:

Workers’ Compensation: In North Carolina, workers across various sectors face the ever-present danger of electrical injuries, a risk accentuated by the widespread use of electrical equipment and systems in today’s workplaces. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system designed to provide benefits to employees who are injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault for the accident, including incidents of electrocution. These benefits can cover medical care, lost wages, and disability payments if the injury results in lasting impairment. If a worker dies from electrocution, their family may be entitled to death benefits, which help cover funeral costs and provide financial support for dependents.
Third-Party Lawsuit: If your electrocution was caused by a third party other than your employer or a co-worker (for example, a negligent contractor, faulty equipment manufacturer, or utility company), you might have the right to sue the third party for damages while still receiving workers’ compensation benefits from your employer.
OSHA Complaint: Employees have the right to report safety violations to OSHA without fear of retaliation. OSHA will take measures to protect the worker’s identity if the employee wants to remain anonymous.

6. Consult with an Attorney

Consider contacting a personal injury attorney experienced in construction accidents and OSHA investigations. They can provide guidance on protecting your rights and navigating the complexities of potential legal claims. An experienced lawyer can determine whether negligence by a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, played a role in your injury.

Employer Responsibilities for Electrical Safety

Employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide a safe working environment for their employees. This includes protecting workers from electrical hazards. OSHA has established several regulations for electrical safety on construction sites, including the requirement that all electrical equipment and installations be grounded, the use of lockout/tagout procedures to control hazardous energy, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and protective clothing. OSHA also mandates regular training for workers on electrical hazards and safe work practices and requires that employers maintain a written electrical safety program.

Some key employer responsibilities include:

Hazard Assessment: Employers should conduct regular hazard assessments to identify potential electrical hazards in the workplace.
Training and Education: Employers must provide comprehensive training programs that cover potential electrical hazards, proper use of equipment, and emergency procedures.
Safe Equipment and Wiring: Employers should ensure that all electrical equipment and wiring is properly installed, maintained, and in good working condition. Substandard wiring, damaged power tools, or defective machinery can lead to electrical accidents.
Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Employers must implement lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to prevent the accidental re-energizing of equipment during service or maintenance.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers must provide appropriate PPE to employees who are exposed to electrical hazards. Workers should always wear appropriate PPE to protect themselves from electrical hazards. The most common types of PPE include insulated gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, and footwear.
Compliance with OSHA Standards: Employers must comply with all applicable OSHA standards for electrical safety.

Common Electrical Hazards on Construction Sites

Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, and electrical hazards are among the most prevalent dangers workers face.

Some common electrical hazards include:

Contact with Overhead Power Lines: Accounting for 48% of workplace electrical fatalities, overhead power lines are the most significant electrocution hazard on jobsites, especially for those working with tall equipment such as cranes, scaffolding and ladders.
Faulty Wiring and Equipment: Construction sites are rife with electrical equipment, and faulty wiring or malfunctioning equipment poses a serious risk of electrocution.
Inadequate Grounding: Improper grounding is another common cause of electrocution accidents.
Contact with Energized Parts: Workers may unknowingly come into contact with energized parts while handling electrical equipment or machinery.
Water and Moisture Exposure: Operating electrical equipment in wet conditions is another significant risk for electrical safety hazards. Water can conduct electricity, and using electrical equipment in wet conditions can lead to electrocution or fires.
Overloaded Circuits: Overloading electrical circuits is a common occurrence on construction sites where multiple tools and equipment are in use simultaneously.

Preventing Electrical Accidents

While not all electrical accidents can be avoided, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of getting electrocuted at a construction site:

Always use caution around power sources.
Do not use electrical equipment while standing in water.
Assume that overhead wires carry electricity and do not touch them. Instead, always keep about ten feet between you and the powerline just to be safe.
If a power line falls, do not touch it. Instead, report the fall to a supervisor, who can call the utility company.
Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles, or have an assured equipment grounding conductor program (AEGCP).
Take any defective equipment out of service.
Do not remove ground prongs from cord- and plug-connected equipment or extension cords.
Use double-insulated tools and equipment, distinctively marked.
Ground all exposed metal parts of equipment.

Conclusion

The electrical shock incident at Universal’s Epic Universe serves as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the rights of employees. By understanding your rights, following safety protocols, and taking appropriate action after an accident, you can protect yourself and contribute to a safer working environment for everyone. If you or a loved one has been injured in an electrical accident at work, it is essential to seek legal guidance to understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve.