OSHA Cites Bakery for Repeat, Serious Safety Violations Totaling $326,276

OSHA News Releases

Filed March 16th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Alpha Baking Co. Inc. for repeat and serious safety violations after an employee suffered a broken arm. Proposed penalties total $326,276.

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What changed

OSHA has cited Alpha Baking Co. Inc. for three repeat and three serious safety violations, proposing penalties of $326,276. The citations stem from an incident where an employee suffered a broken arm due to inadequate machine guarding, lack of lockout/tagout procedures, and insufficient electrical safety training and practices. These violations indicate a failure to protect employees from hazardous energy and machinery.

Alpha Baking Co. Inc. has 15 business days to respond to the citations by either complying, requesting an informal conference, or contesting the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Failure to comply may result in further penalties. Employers should review their machine guarding, lockout/tagout, and electrical safety programs to ensure compliance with OSHA standards.

What to do next

Review and update lockout/tagout procedures and training.
Ensure all machinery is properly guarded and implement safety-related work practices for electrical work.
Verify that employees receive adequate training on electrical work and personal protective equipment usage.

Penalties

$326,276

Source document (simplified)

Notice: Information in some news releases may not reflect the current or final status of a case, including, but not limited to, the penalty amount(s) or classification(s).

OSHA News Release - Chicago Region

U.S. Department of Labor
CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Midwest commercial bakery for repeatedly exposing employees to safety hazards after a worker suffered a broken arm in September 2025 when clearing dough from a machine while working on the production line.

March 16, 2026

US Department of Labor cites Midwest commercial bakery for repeat, serious safety violations following employee injury

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Midwest commercial bakery for repeatedly exposing employees to safety hazards after a worker suffered a broken arm in September 2025 when clearing dough from a machine while working on the production line.

The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Alpha Baking Co. Inc. with repeat violations for lack of lockout tagout training, failing to lockout a machine during servicing, and other hazards related to unguarded machines. The agency also cited the employer for failing to train employees in electrical work, implement safety-related work practices and use personal protective equipment when performing electrical work.

OSHA cited Alpha Baking Co. Inc. for three repeat and three serious violations, with proposed penalties totaling $326,276.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.

Learn about controlling hazardous energy and proper machine guarding.

Learn more about OSHA. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.