Hawaii Safety and Health Program
Hawaii requires employers to maintain an effective safety and health program under Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 12, Chapter 51. The program must be tailored to the employer's specific operations and hazards.
Required Elements
Management Commitment
Visible management leadership and commitment to workplace safety, including allocation of resources.
Employee Participation
Systems for meaningful employee involvement in safety program development and implementation.
Hazard Identification and Assessment
Regular inspections and hazard analysis to identify and evaluate workplace risks.
Hazard Prevention and Control
Implementation of engineering controls, work practice controls, PPE, and administrative controls to eliminate or reduce hazards.
Training and Education
Safety training for all employees appropriate to their job assignments and workplace hazards.
Program Evaluation
Regular review and evaluation of the safety program's effectiveness, with modifications as needed.
Enforcement and Penalties
Up to $7,000
Serious Violation
Per violation where serious harm is probable
Up to $70,000
Willful or Repeat
Per willful or repeated violation
Up to $7,000/day
Failure to Correct
Daily penalty for uncorrected violations past abatement date
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a written safety program mandatory in Hawaii?
Yes. HIOSH requires employers to maintain an effective safety and health program. While smaller employers may have simpler programs, all employers must have documented safety procedures.
Is Hawaii a state-plan state?
Yes. Hawaii operates its own occupational safety and health program (HIOSH) covering both public and private sector employers.
What industries are covered?
All employers with employees in Hawaii are covered under HRS Chapter 396, regardless of industry or size.
Are safety committees required?
Hawaii does not mandate safety committees for all employers, but they are recommended and may be required in certain industries.
How does HIOSH enforcement work?
HIOSH conducts inspections based on complaints, referrals, fatalities, and programmed targeting of high-hazard industries.