RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) is commemorating a significant safety milestone as its Boiler Safety Bureau reaches its 90th anniversary, representing nearly a century of dedicated service to protect workers and communities across the state.
From Crisis to Success: A Remarkable Safety Transformation
Established in 1935, the Boiler Safety Bureau was created during a time when workplace boiler accidents posed a serious threat to North Carolina workers. The bureau’s founding came in response to alarming safety statistics that demanded immediate action.
“When this program was first established, North Carolina averaged one boiler-related fatality every six weeks,” said Labor Commissioner Luke Farley. “Today, that number is down to just one every four years. These results don’t happen by accident — it’s the product of decades of dedicated work by our inspectors and safety professionals who take their mission seriously.”
This dramatic improvement in safety outcomes represents a 96% reduction in boiler-related fatalities, showcasing the effectiveness of consistent regulation and professional oversight.
Expanded Operations Meet Growing Demands
What began as a basic boiler inspection program has evolved into a comprehensive safety operation. The bureau now oversees multiple categories of equipment critical to North Carolina’s industrial and commercial sectors, including:
- Heating boilers
- Hot water storage tanks
- Fired pressure vessels
- Unfired pressure vessels
The scope of the bureau’s work has grown substantially, with inspectors now conducting approximately 52,000 inspections annually across the state. This extensive inspection program ensures that businesses and institutions maintain safe operating conditions while protecting both workers and the general public.
A Legacy of Quiet Excellence
The Boiler Safety Bureau’s success story is characterized by consistent, professional service that often goes unnoticed by the public. However, the impact of this work extends far beyond individual inspections, contributing to the broader safety culture that protects North Carolina’s workforce and preserves critical infrastructure.
The bureau’s efforts have prevented countless accidents while enabling businesses to operate safely and efficiently. This combination of public safety and economic support has made the program an essential component of the state’s regulatory framework.
Looking Forward: The Next Chapter in Safety Innovation
As the bureau celebrates this historic milestone, leadership emphasizes that the anniversary marks not just a celebration of past achievements, but a commitment to future excellence.
“As we mark this milestone, we’re not just looking back — we’re looking ahead,” Commissioner Farley stated. “We remain committed to the highest standards of safety and service, even as new technologies and industries reshape our state. Today marks the beginning of the next 90 years of boiler safety in North Carolina.”
Continuing the Mission
The 90th anniversary of the NCDOL Boiler Safety Bureau serves as a reminder of how dedicated public service and professional expertise can create lasting positive change. As North Carolina continues to grow and evolve, the bureau’s commitment to safety excellence ensures that workers and communities will continue to benefit from this essential protection.
The celebration of this milestone reinforces the importance of maintaining robust safety standards while adapting to meet the challenges of an ever-changing industrial landscape.
