OSHA cites Cooper Tire, contractors for safety violations

TUPELO — The federal government has cited Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. and two contractors with 25 safety violations at the company’s Tupelo plant.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said the citations include allegations of exposing workers to hazards associated with combustible dust. Proposed penalties total $254,900.

Clyde Payne, director of OSHA’s area office in Jackson, said in a news release that “disregard for workers’ safety demonstrated by these employers is truly shocking.”

JESCO Maintenance Corp. and IH Services, maintenance contractors, were the other companies citied. The three companies have 15 business days to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings.

A man who answered a phone listing for JESCO referred questions to Cooper. Cooper and IH didn’t immediately respond to messages.

Source: AP