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| Safety, Injuries and Workers Compensation |
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Work can be dangerous. North Carolina employers reported over 170,000 workplace injuries or illnesses in 2000. It is quite likely that many injuries or illnesses due to workplace hazards go unreported. Federal law requires your employer to provide you a workplace free of recognized hazards that can cause death or serious physical harm and to comply with occupational health and safety standards.
The Occupational Health and Safety Division of the NC Department of Labor (OSH) investigates complaints of unsafe or hazardous workplaces. Sometimes a complaint results in a letter to the employer, who has seven days to respond. In other cases, especially when there is a federal standard, an investigator goes to the workplace. That initial visit is always unannounced and must take place within 14 days of the complaint. Depending on what the investigator finds at the workplace, the investigation may focus on the problem complained about or may expand to take in much more of the workplace (and include repeat visits). If the investigator determines that there are, in fact, unsafe conditions, the employer is required to correct the problem. OSH has the power to assess fines.
If you want to file a complaint about a workplace safety or health hazard, you can:
- Complete and submit a form on line
- Download a form, fill it in, and mail it to the address on the form.
- Call the NC Department of Labor at 1-800-NC-LABOR.
You can complain without giving your name, but you will only receive a report after your complaint is investigated if you do give your name. The investigator will never tell your employer who filed the complaint. Nonetheless, sometimes employers suspect a worker of having complained and punish or even fire the employee. This is illegal discrimination. You can call the NC Department of Labor at 1-800-NC-LABOR to report such discrimination.
If you are injured at work, you may be eligible for paid medical care and/or partial compensation for lost wages under state law. This is the Workman's Compensation insurance system, administered by the North Carolina Industrial Commission. For answers to some basic questions, click here. To begin the process of filing a claim, call 919-807-2501 or click here and go to the Workman's Compensation section.
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