Attorney: Kentucky candle factory hit by tornado interfered with OSHA probe

MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) – Former workers at a Kentucky candle factory struck by a tornado last year are alleging that the company retaliated against them for cooperating with federal safety inspectors.

Mayfield Consumer Products has been fined $40,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for violations of federal labor law.

An attorney said Friday that he has filed a charge on behalf of 20 workers.

The filing with the National Labor Relations Board says the company is “denying, abridging, and/or obstructing workers’ compensation benefits” because the workers participated in the OSHA investigation.

Six employees were killed in the Dec. 10 tornado.