The N.C. Department of Labor is charged with promoting the "health, safety and general well-being" of more than 4 million workers in the state. The department serves the needs of the workplace through a variety of programs aimed at making the employees of North Carolina safe.
A commissioner of labor is elected every four years as head of the department and also serves on the Council of State. The commissioner has broad regulatory and enforcement powers to carry out the department's duties and responsibilities.
The department is divided into three divisions: Administration, Occupational Safety and Health, and Standards and Inspections.