(a) If the commissioner of labor and workforce development, upon inspection or investigation, finds a hazardous condition at a place of employment that presents an imminent threat to life or limb of an employee, the commissioner may issue an emergency stop order requiring the immediate alleviation of the condition. This may require the discontinuation of a practice or the removal of all individuals from the threatened area. The stop order shall be in writing and is effective from the time it is posted in the place where the condition exists. Immediately after the order is posted, a copy shall be given to the employer. The commissioner shall fix a place and time, not later than twenty-four (24) hours thereafter, for a hearing to be held before the commissioner. Not more than twenty-four (24) hours after the start of the hearing, and without adjournment of the hearing, the commissioner shall affirm, modify or set aside the commissioner's previous order. The commissioner shall cause a transcript to be made of the proceedings in the hearing, copies of which shall be made available to all parties affected, at a reasonable cost.

(b) The action taken by the commissioner shall be subject to review by the chancery or circuit court of the county in which the condition is found to exist, upon petition for certiorari in the manner now provided for review of actions of boards and commissions in title 27, chapter 9. The review shall take precedence over all other matters on the docket except application for extraordinary process. Upon petition for certiorari, the stop order may be vacated by the reviewing court upon the giving of a bond as the court may find appropriate in the circumstances by the party seeking review.

(c) Should the commissioner fail to abide by the provision for affirming, modifying or setting aside of the commissioner's order, any work or project halted by the stop order may resume, it being the legislative intent that the stop order shall not serve to be a device to be used arbitrarily.