At the Ward and Smith, P.A. Employment Law Symposium, North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley shared his vision for balancing workplace safety enforcement with economic growth. As the youngest Labor Commissioner in a century, Farley emphasized his commitment to making North Carolina both the safest place to work and the best place to do business. Drawing on his 14 years of private practice experience, he highlighted the department’s focus on education before regulation, offering free consultative services to help employers proactively address safety issues and avoid citations. Farley also stressed the importance of collaborative relationships between the Department of Labor, employers, and workers, aiming to foster a service-oriented culture within the agency.
Farley discussed the unique structure of North Carolina’s Department of Labor, where the elected commissioner enforces federal OSHA regulations at the state level, allowing for more direct communication with businesses. He encouraged employers to engage in informal conferences after citations to resolve issues and avoid costly litigation. Looking ahead, Farley aims to reduce workplace fatalities, particularly those involving equipment, through industry alliances and enhanced safety programs like the Carolina Star certification. His overarching message to employers is to be transparent and cooperative, as the department’s goal is to protect workers while supporting job creation and economic vitality.
