If upon notice and hearing the commissioner determines that an owner has operated a facility in violation of a safety order, the commissioner may assess a civil penalty against the owner in an amount not exceeding five hundred dollars, as determined by the commissioner. An order assessing a civil penalty is subject to appeal to the employment appeal board and to judicial review. The commissioner may commence an action in the district court to enforce payment of a civil penalty. Revenue from the penalty provided in this section shall be remitted to the treasurer of state for deposit in the general fund of the state.