The state will take back oversight of workplace safety for manufacturing industries from the federal government as a result of progress made by the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division in improving its compliance with federal regulations.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration last September took over responsibility for workplace safety for all Hawaii job categories except construction, warehousing, transportation and state and local government as a result of deficiencies at the local level. OSHA and HIOSH signed a three-year operational status agreement that called for incrementally restoring state oversight if certain benchmarks were met.

The first job category to be returned to state oversight was manufacturing.

“By continuing to work together closely with OSHA, and in partnership with employers, we are on track in rebuilding the HIOSH program,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said at a news conference on Friday.

“A strong HIOSH not only lowers injury and illness rates, but also improves the overall work environment and accountability. This administration is committed to restoring the state’s ability to assure workplace safety and health.”

Abercrombie said he was confident the state would be prepared to ensure worker safety as construction ramps up in connection with the Honolulu rail project and the development of various high-rise projects in Kakaako.

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

Diantha Goo, HIOSH administrator, said the department is working with officials from Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation to ensure contractors follow all safety rules.

“We expect a heightened level of inspection,” she said. “If they don’t meet the standards, we will come in.”

Last September’s agreement “allows OSHA to commit the resources and staff necessary to provide the training and support, which will enable HIOSH to reassume sole enforcement authority in the state,” the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said in a news release.

“The progress being made to improve worker safety and health in Hawaii through this cooperative effort is encouraging to see,” said David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for OSHA.

The federal government moved to take over some of HIOSH’s responsibilities after a sharp drop-off in workplace safety inspections. HIOSH’s problems stemmed from the elimination of 32 of 51 positions in 2009 during the state budget crisis.