Will the Federal Government Regulate Safety in N.C.?

Feb. 6, 2003
Following closely on the announcement by Vermont Gov. James Douglas that he wants federal OSHA to take over enforcement of occupational safety and health regulations for private companies in his state, North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry warned state business leaders budget cuts could force the same event in North Carolina.

Under an agreement with federal OSHA, North Carolina must have at least 64 safety compliance officers and 50 health officers. If the state falls below those numbers, then it is out of compliance with the federal government and could face federal takeover of its program.

Although the state currently has funding for 120 safety and health compliance officers, Berry warned business leaders attending the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry's 2003 legislative conference, "If there's any serious level of cuts in North Carolina, we may fall out of compliance."

Last year's N.C. Department of Labor budget was almost $14 million, but the state budget office has asked for a 5 percent permanent cut starting July 1. Berry, who does not want the federal government to take over North Carolina's enforcement program, plans to fight to keep funding levels stable for the Safety and Health Division. That could mean, however, that other divisions within the Department of Labor could suffer.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 23, 2025
Learn about lone working laws in the US, key hazards and risks, and get actionable advice on how to keep your lone workers safe.
June 23, 2025
Chemical substitution can quickly get messy, with unclear steps and the risk of swapping one hazard for another. This checklist helps you avoid costly mistakes, prioritize which...
June 23, 2025
A mature approach to health and safety means making safety a core part of your culture, where everyone plays a role and performance is measured by more than just numbers. In this...
June 23, 2025
Behavior-based safety focuses on observing and encouraging safe behaviors to reduce workplace risks. Experts explain how strong safety culture, clear methods, and digital tools...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!