More Safety Violations for Mississippi Manufacturer

Federal workplace safety officials have again cited a Laurel, Miss., manufacturer for unsafe practices.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Monday that it has accused Howard Industries of eight rule violations, which could carry a fine of up to $59,000.

Two repeat violation citations say that Howard still hasn’t fixed problems where employees work on machines without safely disabling them, or use electrical equipment that isn’t properly grounded.

OSHA cited six other violations, including failing to make sure workers are protected when using chemicals or grinding equipment.

Howard did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Privately-held Howard Industries has been accused of more than 130 rule violations in the last five years, according to OSHA records

OSHA often lowers fine amounts in settlement talks with companies.