As Hawaii’s economy steadily rebounds, many are looking forward to the range of jobs opening up. And while it’s incumbent upon employees to bring in their best work ethic, employers must ensure that the workplace is as safe as can be. That’s not always the case, unfortunately, and that’s why it was good to hear that the state’s workplace compliance unit is on its way to improved performance and fuller strength.

Due to state budget cutbacks in 2009, 32 of 51 positions in the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division (HIOSH) were cut. That resulted in a three-year agreement last September for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assume control of workplace oversight in some industries here while it also trained HIOSH inspectors.

Last week’s return of the manufacturing sector under state jurisdiction is a healthy sign — and a necessary one as industries ramp up for growth.

"A strong HIOSH not only lowers injury and illness rates, but also improves the overall work environment and accountability," Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Friday about HIOSH’s progress in improving its compliance with federal regulations.

The importance of workplace safety was dramatically and tragically underscored in April 2011, when a fireworks storage bunker exploded, killing five workers.

HIOSH’s investigation later that year determined "there were so many unsafe working conditions and work practices" going on.

More evidence of HIOSH’s resuming strength came last week when it cited 10 tenants of Unicold Corp.’s refrigerated food warehouse near the airport for 59 serious health and safety violations, such as blocked exit doors, inadequate exit routes and potential danger of leaking ammonia, which could have exposed workers to asphyxiation and burns.

Unicold and its tenants now face up to $340,595 in fines after joint state-federal inspections.

HIOSH’s progress gives it back oversight of the manufacturing sector; its agreement with OSHA targets resumption over accommodations/food service by the end of fiscal 2014, and over the remainder of general industry by fiscal 2015.

It has ongoing responsibility to enforce health and safety laws for Hawaii’s construction, transportation and warehousing industries.

With the expected boom in construction, this oversight will be vital. Just this week, construction of Oahu’s rail project resumed in East Kapolei after a 13-month delay due to court-mandated additional studies. Heavy building is expected to move in earnest to make up for the lost time, with sites to be worked on simultaneously, so vigilance is needed to ensure safety.

Also underway are at least two housing towers in Kakaako — one at the former News Building on South Street, one off Halekauwila Street — with many more tower projects for the district advancing through the approvals process.

Abercrombie said he was confident the state would be prepared to ensure worker safety on these construction fronts.

"If the issue is whether inspectors can keep up with all the additional construction work, then that’s a good challenge to have," he said.

Let’s hope a renewed HIOSH can keep up with these challenges, for the health and safety of all workers across the spectrum.