Hawaii Lone Worker

Our Guide To Lone Worker Safety Policy And Legislation In Hawaii

Hawaii is a state-plan state, meaning it operates its own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health program through HIOSH. This agency enforces workplace safety standards across most public and private sector jobs in Hawaii. While HIOSH does not currently have a regulation that exclusively addresses lone workers, employers are still bound by the General Duty Clause, which requires them to provide a workplace free of known hazards—including those specific to isolated work conditions.

Employers are expected to recognize and address the unique risks lone workers face, including delays in emergency response, environmental exposure, and lack of assistance during accidents or health incidents.

How Hawaii Defines A Lone Worker

Although Hawaii law does not define “lone worker” explicitly, the term generally refers to any employee who performs their job duties without direct oversight or coworkers nearby. These employees may be exposed to risks that are harder to manage due to their isolation.

In Hawaii, common lone worker roles include:

• Home healthcare and elder care providers
• Resort maintenance or janitorial staff working after hours
• Utility technicians and infrastructure workers
• Agricultural laborers in remote fields
• Security personnel on solo night shifts
• Tour guides or marine staff operating in isolated locations

Understanding when and where employees work alone is key to building an effective safety strategy.

Employing A Lone Worker In Hawaii

Employers in Hawaii must develop clear safety measures for lone workers to comply with HIOSH standards. These safety responsibilities include hazard identification, emergency preparedness, and the use of monitoring systems where appropriate.

Recommended practices include:

• Conducting Risk Assessments: Identify hazards specific to each job and location, especially those in remote or environmentally sensitive areas.
• Establishing Reliable Communication: Use tools such as two-way radios, mobile safety apps, or scheduled check-ins.
• Emergency Planning and Response: Ensure lone workers are equipped with protocols and training for emergencies, such as medical incidents or severe weather.
• Technology Integration: Implement apps or devices with features like panic buttons, fall detection, and GPS tracking.
• Ongoing Training: Educate lone workers about their specific risks and how to stay safe in isolated conditions.

Taking these precautions demonstrates an employer’s commitment to both safety and regulatory compliance under HIOSH.

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How The Safe Lone Worker App Can Protect Hawaii Lone Workers And Employers

Given Hawaii’s remote and varied work settings, a safety solution like the Safe Lone Worker app can play a crucial role in protecting employees who work alone. With features such as live GPS tracking, timed check-ins, panic alerts, and automatic fall detection, the app ensures that workers are monitored and can access help in real time.

From resort staff working late to agricultural crews in the field, the app helps employers maintain consistent oversight, manage risks, and meet the expectations set forth by HIOSH for maintaining a safe workplace.

Hawaii Lone Worker Policies

As a state with its own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health program, Hawaii regulates workplace safety through HIOSH, a division of the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. While no specific rule exists for lone workers, employers must still comply with the General Duty Clause, which mandates that all workplaces be free from recognized hazards.

For the most accurate and current regulatory guidance, employers should consult HIOSH and federal OSHA resources. This guide is intended for informational purposes and is not a substitute for legal or regulatory advice.