Hawaii has administrative rules that require a general industry employer to establish and maintain an written occupational safety and health program, unless the employer has fewer than 10 employees. This program must include 12 specific elements listed HAR 12-60-2 relating to:
- Policies and procedures;
- Clear goals;
- Management leadership;
- Employee involvement;
- Responsibilities;
- Accountability;
- Reporting hazards;
- Accident and near-miss investigation;
- Review of injury/illness trends;
- Safety and health inspections;
- Emergency procedures; and
- Training, recognition, and discipline.
Other requirements under HAR 12-60-2 cover:
- Compliance and protecting employees;
- Eliminating or controlling hazards;
- Conducting periodic inspections;
- Instituting a program for safety and health training;
- Only allowing trained/experienced employees to operate machines and equipment;
- Identifying unsafe machines and equipment;
- Reporting accidents per HAR 12-52.1, Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses;
- Keeping safety devices in operable condition; and
- Correcting unsafe conditions.
Federal OSHA does not specifically require a written safety and health program for general industry, but it does require the employer to keep a safe and healthful work environment, under the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).
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