The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is launching a programme to prevent retail sector injuries and fatalities in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.
OSHA's acting director in Honolulu, Mike Rivera, says the federal agency is not in the business of waiting to act only after a preventable injury or fatality occurs.
He says retail employers and workers need to be aware of hazards and risks commonly found in this industry.
OSHA will conduct inspections to identify and evaluate hazards within the retail industry in Hawaii and the territories.