MUNCIE, Ind. (AP): The state of Indiana has fined Muncie's Progress Rail locomotive plant $55,000 for safety violations.

The state fined the company $5,000 for exposing workers to crush hazards and $50,000 for knowing the safety hazard existed and not addressing it.

Progress Rail spokeswoman Amy Everett says the company is evaluating the order and working with the state to respond. She says employee health and safety is of “utmost importance'' to Progress Rail.

Indiana Department of Labor spokeswoman Amanda Stanley says the company has requested an informal settlement meeting.

The plant employs about 500 people and makes railroad locomotives. State records show investigators found the violations during a January plant inspection.