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🗞️ OSHA Cites Ohio Commercial Bakery for Repeat Safety Violations Following Federal Investigation

OSHA has cited New Horizons Baking Company, an Ohio-based commercial bakery, for multiple workplace safety violations with proposed penalties totaling $394,849

onthelaborfront

16 Dec 2025 — 4 min read

On December 16, 2025, OSHA announced enforcement action against New Horizons Baking Company, headquartered in Norwalk, Ohio, which operates multiple facilities across the state. The federal investigation revealed that workers were allegedly exposed to working conditions including chemical hazards, caught-between hazards, caught-in hazards, pinch-point hazards, and struck-by hazards.

The findings involve three repeat violations specifically related to the company's implementation of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures—a critical safety protocol designed to prevent machinery from unexpectedly starting during service and maintenance operations. These repeat violations indicate that New Horizons had been previously cited for substantially similar conditions. According to local news reports, the company's Norwalk facility was cited in 2023 for serious safety violations following a complaint-driven inspection, with penalties later reduced through informal settlement—a common outcome when employers work cooperatively with OSHA to address concerns and demonstrate commitment to compliance.

The repeat designation carries significant weight in OSHA enforcement policy. Under federal guidelines, a repeat violation occurs when an employer has been previously cited for a substantially similar condition and that citation has become a final order, typically within a three-year period. While repeat violations carry higher penalties, they also provide employers with clear guidance on compliance expectations and opportunities to implement comprehensive corrective measures.

The commercial baking industry presents inherent workplace challenges. Industry research indicates that bakers and flour confectioners face elevated injury risks compared to many other sectors, with hazards including machinery with moving parts, exposure to extreme heat, repetitive strain concerns, flour dust exposure, and slip risks from production environments. These challenges require ongoing vigilance from both management and workers to maintain safe operations.

Lockout/tagout violations consistently rank among OSHA's most frequently cited standards across all industries. In fiscal year 2023, LOTO was the sixth most frequently cited standard with 2,554 citations nationwide. The standard, codified as 29 CFR 1910.147, requires employers to control hazardous energy during service and maintenance of machines and equipment. Proper implementation requires investment in training, procedures, and equipment—resources that forward-thinking employers recognize as essential to protecting their workforce and maintaining operational continuity.

New Horizons Baking Company, founded in 1967 as West Baking Company, produces hamburger buns and English muffins for major quick-service restaurant chains and serves over 5,000 restaurants, food service facilities, and wholesale establishments. The company operates high-speed food manufacturing facilities in Northeast Ohio and Northern Indiana, providing employment opportunities in the region's manufacturing sector.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to either comply with the requirements, request an informal conference with OSHA to discuss the violations and abatement strategies, or formally contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The informal conference process allows employers to work directly with OSHA officials to clarify requirements, discuss abatement methods, and potentially negotiate penalty adjustments based on good faith efforts and ability to pay. Citation details and penalty amounts may be adjusted throughout the enforcement process, reflecting OSHA's recognition that cooperation and genuine commitment to improvement often yield better safety outcomes than purely punitive approaches.

This case highlights the importance of sustained workplace safety programs in the commercial baking industry. Employers who invest proactively in comprehensive safety training, equipment maintenance, and hazard control programs can protect their workers while avoiding costly citations and potential production disruptions. Similarly, workers who actively participate in safety programs and report concerns through direct channels with management contribute to safer workplaces without relying on external complaint-driven inspections or third-party intervention.

The substantial penalties in this case reflect both the severity of the identified hazards and the company's previous citation history. However, the enforcement process provides multiple pathways for resolution, including opportunities for the company to demonstrate its commitment to worker safety through comprehensive corrective actions and long-term safety culture improvements.

Key Points

Violations: 3 repeat violations, 9 serious violations, 1 other-than-serious violation
Proposed Penalties: $394,849 total (subject to adjustment through informal settlement or contest process)
Primary Issues: Implementation gaps in lockout/tagout procedures, worker training, and machine guarding
Worker Hazards: Chemical, caught-between, caught-in, pinch-point, and struck-by hazards identified
Previous History: Company's Norwalk facility cited in 2023 for serious safety violations; penalties reduced through cooperative settlement process
Industry Context: Commercial baking involves inherent machinery and production hazards requiring ongoing safety vigilance
Lockout/Tagout: LOTO was OSHA's 6th most frequently cited standard in FY 2023 with 2,554 citations nationwide
Company Profile: Founded 1967, produces buns and English muffins for major QSR chains, operates facilities in Ohio and Indiana
Resolution Options: 15 business days to comply, request informal conference, or contest findings
Cooperative Pathways: OSHA's informal conference process allows employers to discuss abatement strategies and demonstrate good faith compliance efforts