Ergonomics - Hawaii

Currently, there is no federal OSHA regulation that governs ergonomics. Similarly, Hawaii has no specific requirements regarding ergonomics. However, Hawaii has a requirement that is equivalent to OSHA's General Duty Clause for providing a safe and healthy workplace, free from recognized hazards, but the state adds further requirements. The state of Hawaii uses these requirements for enforcement of ergonomic-related hazards.

A summary of the additional requirements includes the following:

• Furnish a safe workplace.
• Keep recognized hazards out of the workplace.
• Do not allow an employee to work where hazards may cause death or serious physical harm.
• Do not allow an employee to work where HIOSH regulations are not met, unless abating a hazard.
• Provide safeguards and methods to keep the workplace safe.
• Do not construct or keep an unsafe workplace.
• Make required reports.
• Keep required records and make them available to HIOSH as necessary.
• Prominently post HIOSH-provided posters and information, along with notices about employee obligations and rights.

Because ergonomic hazards are workplace hazards, Hawaii’s requirement to maintain a written safety and health program for workplace hazards per HAR 12-60-2 is related. Federal OSHA does not require a safety and health program, so this state requirement is more stringent than federal.

Related information

• Ergonomics ezExplanation
• Ergonomics state comparison table

Citations

• Hawaii Administrative Rule HAR 12-60-2 Safety and health programs
• Hawaii Revised Statute HRS Title 21, Chapter 396 Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law.
• Hawaii Revised Statute HRS Title 21, Section 396-6 Employer responsibility: safe place of employment; safety devices and safeguards
• Federal statute Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act