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CHARLOTTE—The N.C. Department of Labor (NCDOL) and Sanders Utility Construction Co. Inc. celebrated the completion of the safety partnership for the design-build project to improve, up-size and replace sanitary sewer along the Irwin Creek Tributary to Irwin Creek Interceptor. Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson presented company officials with a certificate at the ceremony on Friday, Dec. 17, after giving brief remarks about the project.
GOLDSBORO — The N.C. Department of Labor (NCDOL) recognized Daniels and Daniels Construction Co. for its completion of two Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) projects, Coastal Elementary School and Catherine Lake Elementary School in Onslow County. The program recognizes companies for a commitment to the safety and health of their employees.
Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson released the following statement regarding the action by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to stay the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate: 

Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson released the following statement regarding this week’s passage of the state budget bill: 

“I commend the North Carolina General Assembly for passing the biennial state budget earlier this week, and Governor Cooper for signing the budget into law shortly thereafter. House and Senate leadership, as well as the Governor’s Office, worked diligently over the past several months to come up with a plan that – while not perfect – will ultimately benefit North Carolinians. 
Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson released the following statement regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Emergency Temporary Standard for vaccines: 
Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson will convene a meeting of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Advisory Council on Wednesday, Nov. 10. The meeting—slated to begin at 10 a.m.—will be held both in-person and virtually from the NCDOL Lake Boone Trail Office in Raleigh.

The 11-member OSH Advisory Council is composed of safety and health professionals who advise, consult with and make recommendations to the commissioner of labor on matters associated with the administration of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina.
NCDOL today announces that North Carolina will adopt verbatim the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for Healthcare. The ETS will become effective in North Carolina on July 21, 2021.

North Carolina’s state-plan agreement with federal OSHA requires the state’s occupational safety and health program to be at least as effective as the federal program. Verbatim adoption of the ETS ensures the state remains in compliance with the state-plan agreement.
RALEIGH—NCDOL today announces the rollout of a new process for obtaining youth employment certificates that aims to streamline the process and better ensure youths are working in safe jobs. After a soft launch in April, the new process takes effect today, May 3.

The NCDOL Wage and Hour Bureau administers youth employment certificates, which are required under the N.C. Wage and Hour Act. The certificates, commonly referred to as a work permit, are designed to alert parents, teens and employers of certain prohibited jobs and hour limits for workers under the age of 18.  
“I’m heartbroken to learn of the tragic deaths of Watauga County Sgt. Chris Ward and Deputy Logan Fox. These law enforcement officers gave their lives while in the line of duty, honoring their commitment to serve and protect our community.
The N.C. Department of Labor is now accepting applications from businesses that qualify for a workplace safety award. 

Safety awards are given to companies that have above-average worker safety and health programs.