Indiana proposal would fine businesses $100,000 for workplace fatality

A bill that would fine Indiana employers $100,000 for a worksite fatality is now in the state’s Employment, Labor and Pensions committee, according to the state’s legislative website.

H.B. 1341, read before the General Assembly on Monday and sponsored by Rep. Martin Carbaugh, R-Fort Wayne, amends Indiana code on workplace safety, which stipulates fines of $7,000 to $70,000 for safety violations.

The proposed change would add language on fatalities: “If an employer willfully violates any standard, rule, order, or this chapter and the violation results in the death of an employee, the commissioner shall assess a civil penalty of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for each employee whose death results from the violation.”

If passed, the bill would go into effect July 1, according to the bill digest.