El Milagro Factory Faces $218K in Fines After Repeatedly Exposing Workers to Amputation Dangers

El Milagro of Texas is facing $218K in fines after federal inspectors cited the San Marcos tortilla manufacturer for seven repeat, serious violations. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, previous inspections gave the family-owned tortilla factory opportunities to resolve its safety issues. However, inspectors found the south-Austin, Texas facility continued to expose its employees to risks of amputation and other serious injuries.

Workers complained of amputation hazards, leading to OSHA to re-investigate conditions at the El Milagro of Texas Inc. facility. Inspectors determined the facility failed to follow hazardous energy control procedures, preventing sudden machine start-up or movement during maintenance and servicing.

El Milagro was cited for three repeat violations related to energy control and four serious violations for failing to follow lockout/tagout procedures.