Complaints Addressed by HIOSH
If you would like to report safety and/or health hazards at your workplace OR you have been discriminated against on the basis of safety and health issues, you have the right to file a complaint with HIOSH [Section 8 of Chapter 396 Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS)].
HIOSH responds to safety and health complaints covered under its program either by a phone/fax investigation OR an on-site inspection. A complaint submitted with the person’s name and signature is more likely to result in an on-site inspection.
Types of Complaints
Safety & Health
If you are a past or present employee or a representative of employees and believe that a violation of the occupational safety and health standards, rules or regulations exists, you can file a complaint in person, by telephone, by fax, by mail or electronically. [Chapter 51 Hawaii Administrataive Rules (HAR)]
Discrimination
If you are an employee and believe that you have been discharged or otherwise discriminated against as a result of engaging in activities related to workplace safety and health, a written letter with an original signature must be submitted within 60 days of the discharge or other discriminatory act(s). [Section 8(e) of Chapter 396 HRS and Chapter 57 HAR]
Confidentiality
Except for those complainants alleging discrimination violations under Section 8(e) of Chapter 396 HRS], names of all complainants and witnesses shall be withheld from the employer unless the complainants or witnesses give prior permission to the release of their names.
