§1696-M.__Enforcement

1.__Fine.__Any operator of a facility who violates this subchapter is subject to a fine of at least $10,000 and not more than $25,000, payable to the State.__Each day the violation continues constitutes a separate offense.

2.__Injunctive relief.__The Attorney General, the Bureau of Labor Standards, the municipality or county in which a facility is located or the employees of the facility or their recognized bargaining agent may seek injunctive relief from the Superior Court to enforce this subchapter.

SUMMARY

This bill is intended to protect public safety by requiring inspections of certain industrial and commercial facilities that use potentially hazardous substances, equipment and machinery to ensure that operations will be undertaken properly.

This bill prevents the initiation or resumption of operation of any facility that employs more than 250 persons, uses hazardous substances or hazardous equipment or machinery in its operations and is being operated by an inexperienced workforce. The operator of such a facility must notify the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards of the impending initiation or resumption of operation. The Bureau of Labor Standards will schedule and conduct an inspection of the facility and consult with the employees of the facility to ensure that the facility may safely initiate or resume operation. Opportunity is provided for public comment and input from local government and the facility's employees to ensure adequate information is obtained about potential hazards caused by the facility's operation. The bureau will cooperate with the State Emergency Response Commission and local emergency planning committees to ensure that local emergency response plans are understood and followed in the event of an emergency at the facility. The facility may not begin or resume operation until it has been inspected by the Bureau of Labor Standards and found to be safe for operation.