Under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), workers have the right to a safe workplace. The OSH Act was passed to prevent workers from being killed or otherwise harmed at work. The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers. The OSH Act is located in the United States Code at 29 U.S.C. §651, and the applicable regulations are located in the Code of Federal Regulations at 29 C.F.R. §1910.

The OSH Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces protective workplace safety and health standards. OSHA also provides information, training, and assistance to employers and workers.

And most states have additional laws (statutes) that govern safety and health in the workplace.

In Hawaii, workplace safety is governed by both federal and state regulations. Under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), workers are entitled to a safe working environment, free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious harm. This act, found in 29 U.S.C. §651, mandates that employers provide safe conditions and comply with occupational safety and health standards. The enforcement of these standards is carried out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which also offers training and assistance. OSHA's regulations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 29 C.F.R. §1910. Additionally, Hawaii has its own state plan approved by OSHA, which may include state-specific safety and health regulations that are at least as stringent as the federal standards. Employers in Hawaii must adhere to both federal OSHA regulations and any applicable state safety laws to ensure the protection of their employees' health and safety at work.