Press Releases

Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson Issues Statement in Recognition of Watauga County Deputies Killed in Line of Duty

“I’m heartbroken to learn of the tragic deaths of Watauga County Sgt. Chris Ward and Deputy Logan Fox.

Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson issues Statement in Recognition of Workers' Memorial Day

“On Workers’ Memorial Day, we pause to remember the men and women who lost their lives while on the job. Each one of these deaths is a tragedy, not only for the worker’s family and friends, but also for their co-workers and community. Though workplaces are safer today than in the past, all lives are precious, and any life lost in the workplace is unacceptable. My mission as Labor Commissioner, and the goal of our dedicated staff at the N.C.

Labor Department Urges Businesses to Apply for Safety Awards

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. 

Labor Department Adopts Parental Leave Policy

Read this news release about the N.C. Department of Labor implementing Executive Order No. 95, Providing Paid Leave to Eligible State Employees, effective Feb. 1, 2021.

NCDOL Releases Workplace Fatality Count For 2020

Read this new release about the Occupational Fatality Inspection Review (OFIR) courtesy of NCDOL's Planning, Statistics and Information Management Bureau.

Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson Names New Elevator Chief

Read about veteran NCDOL employee, Tommy Petty, who was named the new chief of the labor department’s Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau by Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson.

Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson announces his senior leadership team

North Carolina native Josh Dobson, who was elected in November as the 18th state labor commissioner, was officially sworn into office Saturday, Jan. 2. Commissioner Dobson today announces 11 appointments that will make up his leadership team.

State Labor Department Hosts U.S Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots Annual "Drive-By and Drop-Off" Event

On Dec. 15, from noon to 3 p.m., the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program will collect toys at 4 W Edenton St., in front of the Labor Building. This is the 22nd year that the N.C. Department of Labor and its Toys for Tots partners have co-hosted this annual toy drive. Because of the health concerns, this year’s drive will be a “drive-by and drop-off” event.

Tar Heel State’s Workplace Injury and Illness Rate Remains Below National

New figures show the nonfatal workplace injury and illness rate for the Tar Heel state’s private industry remains at a historic low for 2019 with a rate of 2.3 cases per 100 full-time workers, well below the national rate of 2.8.   

NCDOL Encourages Businesses to Participate in “Safe + Sound Week”

A national campaign to promote workplace safety and health has been declared in North Carolina for the week of Aug. 10–16 by Gov. Roy Cooper and in conjunction with NCDOL, the state’s lead agency for workplace safety and health. The federal “Safe + Sound” campaign, promoted each August, encourages every business to develop a safety and health program to ultimately eliminate hazards and prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the workplace.