Chrysler challenging safety fines at Indiana plant

KOKOMO — Chrysler Group is challenging $200,000 in fines ordered by state regulators for safety violations found during the investigation of a worker's death at a central Indiana factory.

Chrysler had until Monday to address safety issues found by inspectors at the company's Kokomo Casting Plant. A state Department of Labor spokeswoman says the company chose to contest the findings before an administrative judge.

The Kokomo Tribune reports Chrysler spokeswoman Jodi Tinson declined to comment on the company's decision.

The state investigation began in January after 62-year-old Claude Brock of Marion fell to his death from a conveyor system at the factory. Two $70,000 fines ordered by the agency are for workers not using equipment to prevent falls and for not properly training employees.