The director of the department of labor and training, the administrator of the division of occupational safety, the chief elevator inspector and his or her compliance inspectors charged with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the state, shall not thereby render himself or herself liable personally, and he or she is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damages that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his or her official duties. Any suit instituted against any officer or employee because of an act performed by him or her in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code shall be defended by the legal representative of the state in the case of the director or his or her agents or representatives, until the final determination of the proceedings. In no case shall the director or any of his or her subordinates be liable for costs or damages in any action, suit or proceeding that may be instituted pursuant to the provisions of this code. The director or his or her agents, acting in good faith and without malice and within the scope of their employment shall be free from liability for acts performed under any of its provisions or by reason of any act or omission in the performance of his or her official duties in connection therewith.