OSHA Cites Alpha Baking Co. for Repeat, Serious Safety Violations

DOL 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 following an employee injury. The bakery faces proposed penalties totaling $326,276 for hazards including unguarded machines and inadequate lockout/tagout training.

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What changed

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations to Alpha Baking Co. Inc. for three repeat and three serious safety violations, with proposed penalties amounting to $326,276. These citations stem from an incident where an employee suffered a broken arm due to hazards related to unguarded machinery and a failure to implement proper lockout/tagout procedures during servicing. The violations also include a lack of lockout/tagout training and issues with electrical work safety practices and personal protective equipment.

Alpha Baking Co. Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Failure to address these violations could result in further penalties. Companies in similar industries should review their machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and electrical safety training to ensure compliance and prevent similar incidents.

What to do next

Review and update lockout/tagout training and procedures.
Ensure all machinery is properly guarded and de-energized during servicing.
Verify compliance with electrical safety work practices and PPE requirements.

Penalties

$326,276 in proposed penalties

Source document (simplified)

News Release

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.

Agency Occupational Safety & Health Administration Date March 16, 2026 Release Number 26-414-CHI Media Contact: Juan Rodriguez Phone Number 972-850-4709 Email rodriguez.juan@dol.gov Media Contact: OPA East Media Email OPA-East-Media@dol.gov Share This
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