Standards and Inspections Division
The Standards and Inspections Division comprises five bureaus of the N.C. Department of Labor: Boiler Safety; Elevator and Amusement Device; Retaliatory Employment Discrimination; Mine and Quarry; and Wage and Hour.
The bureau regulates the construction, installation, repair, alteration, inspection, use and operation of vessels. The bureau conducts periodic inspections of vessels, monitors inspection reports, and maintains records on ownership, location and condition of working boilers and pressure vessels. It also issues operating certificates to boiler owners and operators who meet requirements.
The Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau oversees, except in federal buildings, the installation and safe operation of elevators, escalators, workman's hoists, dumbwaiters, moving walks, aerial passenger tramways, amusement rides, included railways and lifting devices for people with disabilities. The bureau conducts more than 24,000 annual inspections and approves plans and applications for equipment that falls under its jurisdiction.
The bureau provides education and training to miners and contractors to help them identify and eliminate hazards and to help reduce accidents and injuries in the mining industry.
The Wage and Hour Bureau enforces laws that cover minimum wage, maximum hours, wage payment and child labor. Wage payment provisions—which include the payment of promised vacation, sick pay or other benefits—cover all employees except those in federal, state and local government. The bureau investigates worker complains and collects back wages owed to employees.
The bureau also licenses and regulates private personnel. Companies that charge their clients must obtain a license from the department.
Youth employment certificates are required for workers under 18 years of age and are available online. This age group is prohibited from employment in certain hazardous conditions.
The Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act protects employees who in good faith file or initiate an inquiry about workers' compensation claims or exercise their rights under state law. Investigators examine the complaints filed and, if the complaint is found without merit, advise the complainant on legal recourses. If the complaint is found to be valid, the bureau attempts conciliation through information means before issuing a right-to-sue letter or taking the complaint to court.