OSHA Unleashes Record Fines, Forges Key Safety Partnerships, and Welcomes New Leadership to Revolutionize Workplace Safety

In a bold move reflecting its unwavering commitment to worker protection, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently made headlines on multiple fronts: levying substantial fines against a commercial bakery, forging a crucial safety partnership in the construction sector, and appointing a seasoned leader to steer its future efforts. These concurrent developments underscore OSHA’s invigorated push to enforce safety standards, foster preventative measures, and adapt to the evolving landscape of American workplaces in 2026.

Ohio Bakery Faces Nearly $400K in Fines Over Egregious Safety Lapses

An Ohio commercial bakery, New Horizons Baking Co., finds itself under intense scrutiny following a federal inspection that unveiled a disturbing pattern of safety violations. OSHA’s investigation culminated in proposed fines totaling a staggering $394,849, signaling a stern warning to employers who fail to prioritize worker well-being. The bakery was cited for exposing its employees to a perilous array of hazards, ranging from dangerous chemicals to physical risks like pinch points and the threat of being struck by heavy machinery.

The findings from the OSHA inspection, reported on December 16, painted a grim picture of workplace conditions. Investigators identified three repeat violations, nine serious violations, and one other-than-serious violation. The repeat violations were particularly concerning, highlighting a persistent failure to implement fundamental safety protocols. These included inadequate training for lockout/tagout procedures – a critical safety measure designed to prevent machinery from unexpectedly energizing during maintenance or servicing – and insufficient guarding of dangerous equipment. Such lapses, as detailed by SSBCrack, exposed employees to significant risks, categorized as caught-in, struck-by, and pinch-point hazards, which can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.

The lockout/tagout standard (29 CFR §1910.147) is not merely a bureaucratic formality; it is a cornerstone of industrial safety, consistently ranking among OSHA’s most frequently cited regulations. In the last fiscal year alone, the agency recorded over 2,100 violations related to this standard, underscoring its vital importance and the widespread challenges companies face in adhering to it. When machinery is not properly de-energized and secured, a momentary lapse in judgment or an unexpected power surge can transform routine maintenance into a life-threatening incident. For the workers at New Horizons Baking Co., these weren’t abstract regulations but daily risks that could fundamentally alter their lives. The proposed fines serve as a stark reminder that the cost of non-compliance far outweighs the investment in robust safety programs and thorough employee training.

Building a Safer Future: OSHA’s Strategic Construction Partnership

While enforcing compliance through penalties, OSHA is also proactively fostering safer environments through collaboration. In a strategic initiative, the agency announced a new partnership with Harvey Construction Corp., specifically aimed at elevating worker safety during the construction of the Mark Stebbins Community Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. This collaboration exemplifies a forward-thinking approach, uniting government oversight with industry expertise to proactively prevent injuries and fatalities in one of the nation’s most hazardous sectors.

The partnership’s core objective is to raise safety standards within the construction industry by promoting a joint contractor-government approach. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about embedding a culture of safety from the ground up. The initiative will focus on establishing comprehensive safety and health management systems, providing critical training to both employers and employees, and fostering open communication about potential hazards. For a project as significant as the Mark Stebbins Community Center, which will serve the Boys and Girls Club of Manchester and include a medical clinic, ensuring worker safety is paramount not only for the construction crew but also for the community it will ultimately serve.

Construction sites inherently present a multitude of dangers, but four categories—often dubbed the ‘fatal four’—are particularly responsible for a disproportionate number of worker deaths: falls, caught-in or -between conditions, being struck by objects, and electrocution. These hazards will be central to the safety efforts undertaken through the OSHA-Harvey Construction partnership. By focusing intensely on these high-risk areas, the collaboration aims to implement targeted preventative measures, enhance hazard recognition, and equip workers with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves. This proactive engagement reflects a deeper understanding that true safety is built on prevention, not just reaction.

New Leadership at the Helm: David Keeling Steps Up to Lead OSHA

Further solidifying its commitment to evolving workplace safety, OSHA has welcomed David Keeling as its new Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. His confirmation on October 3 marked the culmination of a process that had been anticipated by industry stakeholders. Keeling brings with him an impressive resume, boasting over three decades of experience in workplace health and safety. His extensive background includes leadership roles at corporate giants like UPS and Amazon, where he honed his expertise in managing complex safety protocols across vast logistical networks.

Keeling’s appointment has been met with widespread approval from industry leaders, including the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). The ASSP, a prominent voice in occupational safety, commended his selection, emphasizing the critical need for strong, experienced leadership to navigate the multifaceted challenges of modern workplace safety. As industries rapidly transform, introducing new technologies, work methodologies, and environmental considerations, the demands on safety professionals and regulatory bodies continue to grow. Keeling’s proven track record suggests he possesses the strategic vision and practical experience necessary to adapt OSHA’s frameworks and initiatives to these dynamic environments.

His extensive background in safety management positions him to make a significant and lasting impact on OSHA’s mission to enhance worker protections. In an era where remote work, automation, and emerging industries are reshaping traditional workplaces, the agency’s role in ensuring employee well-being is more critical than ever. Keeling’s leadership is expected to drive efforts to not only enforce existing regulations but also to innovate new approaches to hazard identification, risk mitigation, and safety education. The hope is that under his guidance, OSHA will continue to evolve, ensuring a safer, healthier future for employees across all sectors of the American economy.

The confluence of these events—robust enforcement, proactive partnerships, and strategic leadership—paints a clear picture of OSHA’s intensified focus in 2026. While the fines against New Horizons Baking Co. serve as a necessary deterrent, the agency’s collaborative efforts and new leadership underscore a broader, more holistic strategy to embed safety as an intrinsic value in every workplace, moving beyond mere compliance to foster a genuine culture of prevention and protection.