The U.S. Department of Labor cited a chemical manufacturing company in northwest Georgia for 20 safety violations, and proposes the company pay a $77,000 fine.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Monday that MFG Chemical Inc. exposed workers to fire and explosion hazards, among other safety infractions.

Federal officials inspected the facility in Dalton after an explosion in May.

Authorities say an overheated reactor blew a hole through the roof the plant and released a water treatment chemical into the air.

Forty employees were hospitalized with skin irritation and respiratory problems.

MFG Chemical has 15 business days to comply with Department of Labor regulations or contest the findings.

Company representatives were unavailable for comment.

Dalton is about 90 miles northwest of Atlanta.

Tags: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, safety violations, MFG Chemical Inc.