NIPSCO has been fined $1,875 by the Indiana Occupational and Health Administration for two violations stemming from the death of a Rensselaer man Aug. 11.
Mike Nesius, 43, of Rensselaer was killed Aug. 11 after coming in contact with a live wire on a job in Medaryville.
Northern Indiana Public Service Co. was cited by the state agency for using an inappropriate tool because it was wrapped with a metal coil that could conduct electricity.
NIPSCO was also cited for not using insulating materials.
NIPSCO spokesman Tom Cuddy said Friday he couldn't comment on the fine, but said NIPSCO is continuing its investigation.
"Anything we find that was wrong, we'll implement in a quick manner," Cuddy said. "We're committed to workplace safety of our employees."
IOSHA officials did not return several calls on Friday to comment on their ruling.
In an earlier interview with the Post-Tribune, Dave Chlebek, spokesman for United Steelworkers Local 12775, said the tool Nesius was using was nonconductive originally. However, Chlebek charged the tool had become worn and frayed.
Chlebek said there is no set standard concerning that tool; some trucks are equipped with nonconductive tools and some are not, he said.
Less than two months after Nesius' death, Mark Hansen, an apprentice lineman from Star City, was severely injured near Monticello when his shoulder came in contact with a downed power line he was trying to restore.