Workers at the Hawai‘i State Hospital have endured a pattern of violent assaults for the past 11 years, according to data from the Hawai‘i Department of Health.
Workers have been attacked by patients about three times per week — at least 1,207 assaults on staff and 507 attempted assaults between 2013 and 2023, according to the data. Incidents reported at Hawai’i’s only state-run psychiatric facility range from kicking and hitting to more serious incidents that require medical treatment.
Workplace-related deaths in Hawai’i are surging at an alarming rate, outpacing the rest of the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state saw a nearly 67% increase in deadly accidents in 2022, with fatalities climbing to 25 from 15 the previous year. Nationwide, the number rose almost 6% over the same time. The massive increase raises red flags about how the state protects its workers and the need for more accountability when businesses fail to protect employees. As a result, the AFL-CIO is calling for stronger safety measures across all industries.
What Are Hawai’i’s Most Dangerous Industries?
Hawai’i’s transportation and warehouse industry led in the number of workplace deaths in 2022, with 10 — eight of them from transportation-related accidents. Construction also proved dangerous, with four workers lost.
