HPU Health and Safety

Environmental Health and Safety

Welcome to EHS

The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department at Hawaii Pacific University is dedicated to fostering a culture of safety, health, and environmental stewardship across all university campuses. We serve as a strategic partner to students, faculty, and staff, providing the expertise and resources necessary to reduce institutional risk and ensure a safe environment for learning, research, and work.

Start Here

  • Report a Concern: Report non-emergency safety issues, facility maintenance needs, or potential hazards.

  • Request a Service: Request chemical waste pickup, ergonomic assessments, or safety inspections.
  • Find Training: Access OSHA, HAZWOPER, and campus-specific safety training modules.
  • Emergency Procedures: View immediate action protocols for active threats, fire, and severe weather.

Safety Spotlight: April 2026

Topic: Distracted Driving Awareness

Distracted driving is the act of engaging in any activity that diverts attention away from the primary task of safely operating a vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this behavior contributes to nearly 400,000 injuries and 3,000 fatalities every year. Whether you are a student commuting to class or a staff member operating a university vehicle, staying focused is a shared responsibility to keep the HPU 'Ohana safe.

The 4 Categories

Visual and Manual

  • Visual Distractions: Taking your eyes off the road. Common examples include reading text messages, checking a GPS, or observing roadside attractions.

  • Manual Distractions: Taking your hands off the steering wheel. This includes eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or performing personal grooming.

Cognitive and Auditory

  • Cognitive Distractions: Taking your mind off the task of driving. This involves daydreaming, multitasking, or focusing on a stressful conversation.

  • Auditory Distractions: Sounds that divert your attention away from the road, such as loud music, phone ringtones, or notifications.

Safe Driving Action Plan

Before You Drive

  • Silence and Store: Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" and store it out of reach to avoid the temptation to check it.

  • Plan Your Journey: Program your navigation system and familiarize yourself with your route before putting the car in gear.

  • Set the Environment: Select your music or podcast and adjust your mirrors and climate control while the vehicle is in park.

While on the Road

  • Stay Focused: Concentrate on the road by keeping distracting conversations with passengers to a minimum.

  • Avoid Multitasking: Refrain from eating or drinking while driving; if you feel tired or unwell, pull over in a safe area.

  • Maintain Compliance: Adhere to all university policies and state laws in Hawaii and Nevada regarding hands-free device use.

Regional Safety & Resources

Campus-Specific Reminders

  • Hawaii Campuses: Remain vigilant for high pedestrian traffic in downtown Honolulu and Aloha Tower. During heavy rain, stay on main roads and avoid driving into flooded areas.

  • Las Vegas Campus: High desert temperatures can cause vehicle stress. Ensure tires and fluids are checked regularly to prevent breakdowns on high-speed roads.

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How We Help

To maintain a high standard of safety, EHS provides the following essential services to the university:

  • Consultation and Guidance: Offering expert advice on safety compliance and risk mitigation for campus projects.
  • Safety Inspections: Conducting regular walkthroughs of laboratories, offices, and facilities to identify and correct potential hazards.
  • Training and Education: Managing safety training modules, including Laboratory Safety, Fire Safety, and Hazard Communication.
  • Incident Follow-Up: Investigating campus incidents to determine root causes and implementing preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Managing the proper disposal of hazardous materials and ensuring the university minimizes its environmental footprint.

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