Labor candidate: North Carolina faces challenges keeping workers safe | Opinion

The safety, health, and well-being of North Carolina’s workers are vital to the success of our economy. When workers are safe, businesses grow, families prosper, and our communities thrive. Ensuring safe workplaces isn’t just about compliance with regulations – it’s about creating a culture where safety is a shared priority.

The reality is that keeping workers safe in North Carolina faces challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is a shortage of safety inspectors at the North Carolina Department of Labor. Today, despite good effort, nearly 25% of safety inspector positions remain unfilled. These inspectors aren’t just checking boxes – they are the first line of defense against unsafe working conditions. Without them, we miss opportunities to prevent accidents before they happen.

Even if these positions were fully staffed, it would still take decades to inspect each of the over 300,000 businesses in North Carolina. Inspections alone can’t get us where we need to be. That’s why we need a comprehensive approach that balances enforcement, education, and recognition.

Enforcement is essential. Businesses that ignore safety regulations must be held accountable. Citations and fines deter bad behavior and signal that worker safety is non-negotiable. But enforcement is only one part of the solution.

Education is just as important as enforcement – if not more. While fines punish violations, education helps prevent them. Many job creators want to do the right thing but need clearer guidance on how to create safer workplaces. Workers, too, need to be empowered with the knowledge of best practices. That’s where consultative safety visits come in. These visits allow safety inspectors to identify potential hazards and give employers a chance to fix problems before accidents occur.

Too many job creators see the NCDOL as an adversary, fearing that an inspection will lead to penalties rather than improvements. We need to change that perception. When industry leaders and regulators collaborate, workplace safety becomes a shared mission rather than a point of contention.

Lastly, we must focus on recognition. When employers and employees make tangible progress toward improving workplace safety, they deserve to be acknowledged. Awards and recognition programs can motivate businesses to prioritize safety, as no company wants to fall behind its competitors when it comes to protecting its workers. Acknowledging good work builds momentum, encouraging other companies to follow suit.

But even with a three-pronged approach to safety, we must still make sure we have North Carolina solutions tailored to North Carolina issues. One-size-fits-all regulation from Washington doesn’t always address the unique needs of our state. The Biden Administration’s proposals for new safety mandates may be well-intentioned, but North Carolina must have the flexibility to implement safety standards that reflect our specific industries and climate. For example, agriculture and construction workers face significant risks from heat stress. Instead of relying solely on federal regulations, North Carolina should develop its own heat safety standards that balance worker protection with productivity – focusing on common sense solutions like water, shade, and rest breaks.

Ultimately, keeping North Carolina’s workers safe, healthy, and employed is a shared responsibility. Employers must commit to providing safe environments, workers must follow safety protocols, and the NCDOL must offer both oversight and support. Together, we can create a culture of safety that goes beyond compliance and builds a foundation for long-term success.

When we focus on education, fill the gaps in safety oversight, and develop local solutions, we can build workplaces where safety isn’t just a rule – it’s a culture. Protecting workers means protecting their lives, their families, and their futures, and that’s a mission we all share.

This story was originally published September 17, 2024 at 9:55 AM.