4551. Where the injury is caused by the serious and willful
misconduct of the injured employee, the compensation otherwise
recoverable therefor shall be reduced one-half, except:
(a) Where the injury results in death.
(b) Where the injury results in a permanent disability of 70
percent or over.
(c) Where the injury is caused by the failure of the employer to
comply with any provision of law, or any safety order of the Division
of Occupational Safety and Health, with reference to the safety of
places of employment.
(d) Where the injured employee is under 16 years of age at the
time of injury.
4552. The reduction of compensation because of the serious and
willful misconduct of an employee is not enforceable, valid, or
binding in any respect until the appeals board has so determined by
its findings and award as provided in Chapter 6 of Part 4 of this