The arbitrator may, and shall, upon application by a party to the proceeding, issue a subpoena requiring a person to appear and be examined with reference to a matter within the scope of the proceeding, and to produce books, records or papers pertinent to the proceeding. In case of disobedience to the subpoena, the party requesting it may petition the circuit court of the county in which the witness resides or the circuit court of the county in which the inquiry is being held to require compliance with the subpoena. The circuit court, in case of refusal to obey a subpoena, may issue an order requiring the person to appear and to produce books, records and papers and give evidence on the matter in question. Failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as contempt. [1981 c.857 § 7]