Bill Proposes to Double Benefits for Injuries Tied to Safety Violations

Iowa workers who are injured as a result of workplace safety violations would receive a 100% increase in benefits, under legislation introduced Wednesday. Senate File 2100, by Sen. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, would require awarding benefits that are double the amount otherwise payable if an injury or death occurred when an employer violated workplace safety standards or child labor laws. Additionally, employers whose unsafe workplaces or employment of underage workers results in injuries or deaths would be hit with a $5,000 civil penalty, under provisions in SB 2100. The $5,000 penalty woul...