workplace safety Archives | Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman LLP

Hawai’i Workplace Deaths Soar as Safety Watchdogs Push for Reform

Posted on February 11, 2025May 16, 2025 by Candice Paddock

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.

5 Most Common Ways People Are Exposed to Asbestos

Posted on April 2, 2024November 20, 2024 by Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman

Until about four decades ago, most structures in Hawaii were built with material containing asbestos, including the state’s military bases, state buildings, homes and even schools.

While the health risks from these materials are well-known today, the use of asbestos – while highly regulated in Hawaii – is still allowed in certain products, creating serious risk for anyone who comes in contact with them.

Asbestos is composed of six minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into extremely fine threads for commercial and industrial uses. The fibers are resistant to heat, fire and chemicals and do not conduct electricity.