Hawaii's workers' compensation system - administered by the DLIR - covers work-related injuries and occupational illnesses when causal medical evidence links the condition to job duties. Common exclusions include injuries while intoxicated, self-inflicted harm, injuries during serious criminal acts, and off-duty events with no work connection. Most employers must carry insurance; injured workers should report injuries, get medical care, file claims, and seek review or legal help if claims are denied.

How Hawaii workers' compensation works

When you work in Hawaii, the workers' compensation system exists to pay medical bills and partial lost wages for injuries or illnesses that arise out of and in the course of employment. The state administers the program through the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), which oversees claims and benefits.

What injuries and illnesses are typically covered

Work-related accidental injuries are the most common claims. Employers and insurers also recognize occupational diseases and conditions when a worker can link them to job duties. Examples that often qualify include:

  • Repetitive stress or musculoskeletal disorders (for example, some back conditions)
  • Respiratory illnesses from occupational exposures
  • Some heart conditions or other illnesses when medical evidence ties them to the job
  • Certain mental injuries or stress-related conditions when the injury is directly caused by workplace events and meets statutory standards
Compensability depends on medical evidence and causation: claimants must show the condition arose from employment tasks or exposures.

Common reasons a claim may be denied

Insurers and employers generally deny claims that do not meet the work-relatedness requirement. Typical exclusions include:

  • Injuries caused while the worker was intoxicated or impaired by illegal drugs
  • Self-inflicted injuries or injuries suffered while the worker was committing a serious crime
  • Injuries that occurred off the job and had no connection to work duties
  • Injuries resulting from deliberate violations of clear workplace safety rules or company policy
Each case turns on the facts and the applicable law. The presence of an exclusion does not always end the matter; insurers and claimants often dispute how the rule applies to particular circumstances.

Employer responsibilities and claim process

Most Hawaii employers must carry workers' compensation insurance or qualify to self-insure; when a covered employee is hurt, the usual first step is to report the injury to the employer and file a claim with the employer's insurer. The DLIR provides forms and guidance, and it adjudicates disputed claims.

Penalties can apply when an employer fails to carry required coverage or does not report and handle claims properly.

What to do if you're injured at work

Report the injury to your supervisor immediately. Get medical attention, keep records of treatment, and file any required claim forms with your employer and the insurer. If the insurer denies the claim, you can seek review through DLIR processes or consult an attorney who handles workers' compensation.

When to get help

If your injury is complex (occupational disease, mental injury, or a denial for intoxication/serious-misconduct), consider talking with a workers' compensation attorney or contacting DLIR early in the process.

  1. Confirm whether Hawaii requires all employers (and the employee-count threshold, if any) to carry workers' compensation insurance and whether small-employer exemptions apply [[CHECK]]
  2. Verify specific statutory language or administrative rules in Hawaii regarding intoxication and criminal activity exclusions and standards for proving work-related mental injuries [[CHECK]]

FAQs about Hawai Workers Compensation

Does Hawaii workers' compensation cover mental stress or emotional injuries?
It can, but only when the mental injury is directly related to employment events and meets statutory proof requirements. Each claim requires medical and factual evidence linking the condition to work.
What if my employer doesn’t have workers' compensation insurance?
Employers that fail to carry required coverage may face penalties and claims can still be pursued. Contact the Hawaii DLIR for guidance and to learn about employer penalties and filing options.
Are injuries that happen off-site ever covered?
Yes, if the injury is connected to work duties (for example, a work-related business trip). Injuries with no connection to employment are typically not covered.
Will I be denied compensation if I was intoxicated when injured?
Injuries sustained while intoxicated or impaired by illegal drugs are commonly excluded, but insurers must prove impairment caused or contributed to the injury. Disputes over impairment and causation are common and can be contested.
How do I start a workers' compensation claim in Hawaii?
Report the injury to your employer, seek medical care, and file any required forms with your employer and the insurer. Contact the Hawaii DLIR for claim forms and guidance or consult a workers' compensation attorney if needed.