This bill amends the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act by updating Section 35, which pertains to civil penalties for employers who violate safety regulations. Key changes include the assessment of a civil penalty of up to $7,000 for serious violations and a similar penalty for each day a violation remains uncorrected. The bill clarifies that the correction period does not start until a final order is issued if the employer is engaged in a good faith review process. Additionally, it establishes penalties for willful or repeated violations, with fines reaching up to $70,000 for serious infractions and stipulates that if a violation results in an employee's death, the employer may face felony charges.

The bill also introduces specific provisions for family farms, defining them and outlining conditions under which penalties may be adjusted if a death or injury occurs on such farms and is not reported in a timely manner. It includes new definitions for terms like "family farm" and "family member," and modifies existing language to replace "person" with "individual" in various contexts. Furthermore, it maintains penalties for individuals who provide unauthorized advance notice of inspections and for those who assault enforcement representatives. Overall, the bill aims to enhance workplace safety regulations while considering the unique circumstances of family-operated farms.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-2): 408.1035
House Introduced Bill: 408.1035
As Passed by the House: 408.1035