Sec. 39.1. (a) Whenever the commissioner is of the opinion that imminent danger exists in any workplace in this state, which condition can reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical harm, the commissioner, through the attorney general, may petition the circuit court, superior court, or probate court of the county in which such workplace is located for appropriate relief. Any order issued under this section may require such steps to be taken as may be necessary to avoid, correct, or remove such imminent danger and prohibit the employment or presence of any individual in locations or under conditions where such imminent danger exists, except individuals whose presence is necessary to avoid, correct, or remove such imminent danger or to maintain the capacity of a continuous process operation to resume normal operations without a complete cessation of operations, or where a cessation of operations is necessary, to permit such to be accomplished in a safe and orderly manner.

(b) Whenever and as soon as an inspector concludes that conditions or practices described in subsection (a) exist in any place of employment, the inspector shall inform the affected employers and employees of the danger and that the inspector is recommending to the commissioner that relief be sought.

(c) If the commissioner arbitrarily or capriciously fails to seek relief under this section, any employee who may be injured by reason of such failure, or the representative of such employees, may bring an action against the commissioner, in the circuit court, superior court, or probate court of the county in which the imminent danger is alleged to exist or the employer has its principal office, for a writ of mandamus to compel the commissioner to seek such an order and for such further relief as may be appropriate.

Formerly: Acts 1973, P.L.241, SEC.45. As amended by P.L.84-2016, SEC.98.