34:6A-7. Written orders as to violations; imminent physical hazards

If upon inspection the commissioner discovers a condition which exists in violation of the provisions of this act he shall be authorized to order in writing such violation to cease and to take such steps necessary to enforce such an order. Said written order shall state the items which are in violation of the provisions of this act and shall provide a reasonable specified time within which the violations must cease. The person responsible shall make the corrections necessary to comply with the requirements of this act within the time specified in the order.

If the violation constitutes an imminent physical hazard and the commissioner's order is not obeyed he may forthwith prohibit the employment of any person in any place or in any activity which would expose him to the imminent physical hazard. Upon notice received from the responsible employer or owner that the imminent physical hazard has been eliminated, a reinspection shall be made within one working day. If upon reinspection the commissioner determines that the imminent physical hazard has been eliminated, work may be resumed immediately. If the reinspection is not made within one working day following said notice, work may be resumed. Where the person responsible denies that a violation constituting an imminent physical hazard exists, he shall have the right to apply to the commissioner for a hearing which must be afforded and a decision rendered within 48 hours of the request for a hearing. If the commissioner rules against the petitioning party, the petitioning party shall have the right to apply for injunctive relief against the order to cease work. Jurisdiction for such injunctive relief shall be in the Chancery Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey, but the only issue to be determined shall be the existence of a violation constituting an imminent physical hazard. Such relief may be sought by an order to show cause and may be granted ex parte pending a hearing de novo of the matter.

L.1965, c. 154, s. 7.