Midwest Bakery Fined for Safety Violations
A worker’s broken arm led to an investigation revealing repeat hazards and more than $326,000 in proposed federal penalties.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Mar 17, 2026
Federal safety investigators have cited a Midwest commercial bakery for multiple safety violations after an employee suffered a broken arm while clearing dough from a machine.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA initiated an inspection of Alpha Baking Co. Inc. in September 2025. Investigators determined the injury occurred while the employee was working on a production line.
Citations were issued for three repeat and three serious violations, with proposed penalties totaling $326,276. The agency found the company failed to implement lockout/tagout procedures—which prevent machinery from starting unexpectedly during servicing—and neglected to provide necessary training on those safety protocols.
Inspectors also identified hazards involving unguarded machinery and safety failures related to electrical work. According to the citations, the employer failed to train workers in electrical safety, did not implement required safety-related work practices, and failed to ensure the use of personal protective equipment during electrical tasks.
The company has 15 business days from the receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Alpha Baking Co. Inc. operates several production facilities providing bread and baked goods to retail and foodservice channels.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.