OSHA has fined an Illinois utility company $66,500 for violations of workplace safety standards following an investigation into a workplace accident in which one worker died and another received serious injuries.

Mt. Carmel Public Utility Company, an electricity and natural gas distributor, was issued serious and willful citations for allowing a number of unsafe practices including an alleged willful violation for permitting employees to work on distribution lines without the required electrical grounding. Seven alleged serious violations included the company’s failure to assess the workplace for job safety hazards, lack of protective equipment and clothing, failure to train or brief employees on each job, and failing to have employees follow appropriate energy control procedures during the repair of power lines.