Hawaii State Requirements

HIOSH: Hawaii's Dedicated State Plan for Workplace Safety and Health

The Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division (HIOSH) operates the state plan for workplace safety and health in Hawaii. The Hawaii state plan, which is approved by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), establishes and enforces safety and health regulations to protect workers in the state.

Under the Hawaii state plan, HIOSH has authority over both private sector and public sector (state and local government) workplaces in the state. HIOSH's mission is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for Hawaii's employees through various activities such as inspections, enforcement of standards, consultation services, and educational programs.

The Hawaii state plan is designed to be at least as effective as the federal OSHA program. It incorporates many of the federal OSHA standards but also includes unique state-specific standards. HIOSH has the responsibility to enforce these standards and ensure compliance by employers.

Employers in Hawaii are required to comply with the safety and health regulations established by HIOSH. They must provide a safe working environment, implement safety programs, train employees, and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses.

Coverage

The Hawaii State Plan applies to private-sector workplaces in the state, with the exception of:

1. The Hawaii State Plan covers private-sector workplaces in the state, except for maritime employment, including shipyard employment, marine terminals, and longshoring. However, it does cover marine construction work that is not performed on vessels or other floating facilities, which falls under the jurisdiction of HIOSH.

2. Contract workers and contractor-operated facilities involved in United States Postal Service mail operations are not covered by the Hawaii State Plan.

3. Contractors and subcontractors at Hawaii National Park or any other federal establishment where the land is determined to be under exclusive federal jurisdiction.

4. Private-sector employers operating within the secure boundaries of military installations where access is controlled are not covered by the Hawaii State Plan.

5. The working conditions of aircraft cabin crew members onboard aircraft in operation.

State Plan Standards

While HIOSH has incorporated most of the OSHA standards relevant to state and local government and private employer operations, it has introduced notable variations in some of its standards, with some lacking federal counterparts entirely. Furthermore, HIOSH has implemented the following distinct standards:

General Industry

• Noise Exposure
• Toxic Substances
• Industrial Lighting
• Worker Intoxication

Construction

• Signs, Signals, and Barricades
• Steel Erection
• Cranes and Derricks
• Worker Intoxication