Iowa Workforce Development Labor Services Division has received a $733,750 check from Insituform Technologies USA Inc., the Missouri-based company penalized for violating occupational safety and health standards while working on a Des Moines sewer system relining project in July 2002.

The penalty check, believed to be the largest ever collected by the Labor Services Division, stems from a 2002 accident that resulted in the deaths of two workers overcome by toxic hydrogen sulfide gas while working on the sewer project. Five other workers were seriously injured in the accident when they attempted to rescue the two Insituform employees.

On Feb. 16, the Iowa Supreme Court affirmed an Employment Appeal Boards decision and ordered Insituform to pay the $733,750 penalty.

“This decision will serve as a precedent if similar issues are raised in future cases regarding interpretation of OSHA law,” interim Iowa Workforce Development Director Dave Neil said. “It is good to see the hard work of an inspection being upheld through all stages of the legal process. We hope this provides some additional closure to the families of those lost.”