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.