State’s commitment to safety standards earns national recognition in WalletHub study

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina has secured the second-place ranking nationally for workplace safety, according to a recent WalletHub study, marking a significant achievement for the state’s labor safety initiatives.

The recognition reflects collaborative efforts among employers, employees, and safety professionals throughout North Carolina, officials said Tuesday. Under Labor Commissioner Luke Farley’s leadership, the North Carolina Department of Labor has made workplace safety a top priority, implementing stronger standards and expanding support programs for employers.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our state’s workforce — from business owners to safety officers to employees who prioritize safety every day,” Farley said. “We’re proud of this progress, and we know our work is not done. Our goal is not just to be one of the safest states to work — but the safest in the nation.”

The WalletHub analysis evaluated all 50 states using multiple safety metrics, including workplace injury and illness rates, emergency preparedness measures, and occupational fatality statistics. North Carolina’s high ranking demonstrates measurable improvements in risk reduction and the cultivation of safety-conscious workplace cultures across various industries.

The state’s strong performance comes as workplace safety has become an increasingly important concern nationwide, with businesses and regulators working to balance productivity with worker protection.

The North Carolina Department of Labor announced it will continue building on this success by expanding safety programs, offering additional training resources, and strengthening partnerships with businesses and workers statewide.

The complete WalletHub report is available at wallethub.com.