Universal Orlando Resort has been fined by federal regulators following an investigation into a workplace injury at Epic Universe that left an employee hospitalized earlier this year.
According to recent reports, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a penalty after determining that a Universal employee suffered a serious electrical shock while performing maintenance at Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry attraction on April 24.
The employee reportedly came into contact with a 480-volt electrical busbar during routine maintenance operations. OSHA records describe the worker as being “severely shocked,” resulting in injuries that included fractured ribs, a broken arm, and a dislocated shoulder. The employee was transported to Orlando Health for treatment.
Following its investigation, OSHA cited Universal for failing to properly lock out the electrical system before maintenance began. The agency noted that the ride vehicle involved is normally secured through multiple lockout points and that the electrical circuit powering the busbar should have been de-energized prior to work.
OSHA initially proposed a fine of $16,550. That amount was later reduced to $11,585 after Universal reached an informal settlement with the agency. OSHA’s report stated that inspectors did not encounter resistance or unusual circumstances during their site visit.
Universal Orlando Resort did not provide a public response regarding the citation, and no updated information about the employee’s recovery has been released through OSHA documentation.
The incident occurred during the final weeks leading up to Epic Universe’s public opening. The park officially debuted on May 22 and has been widely praised for its scale and immersive design. Still, the electrical shock incident represents one of several safety-related challenges faced during the park’s early operations.
OSHA guidance emphasizes that electrical hazards remain one of the most dangerous risks in industrial and maintenance environments, particularly when lockout and tagout procedures are not strictly followed.
Universal has faced OSHA investigations in the past, including a 2019 inquiry into electrical shock reports at Volcano Bay. While that incident did not result in fines, it underscored the importance of electrical safety in large-scale theme park operations.
This is an ongoing news story. Further updates may follow as additional records are released or if Universal Orlando addresses the incident publicly.
