Building Star-NC OSHA Voluntary Protection Program
North Carolina Department of Labor/OSHA has expanded the Carolina
Star, a program recognizing companies for establishing safe workplaces,
to include the construction industry. Construction companies can now
earn a "Building Star," which recognizes construction worksites that
have "Carolina Star" quality safety and health programs but require
demonstration of approaches and procedures that differ from current
"Carolina Star" requirements set up for general industry. This program
was developed in conjunction and agreement with Carolinas AGC.
Companies receiving the designation must meet several
criteria, including a comprehensive safety program, excellent injury and
illness rates and employee participation in the safety process. In
"Building Star," management, labor, and OSHNC establish a cooperative
relationship at the workplace. Management agrees to operate an effective
program that meets established criteria. Employees agree to participate
in the program and work with management to ensure a safe and healthful
workplace. OSHNC verifies that the program meets "Building Star"
criteria, publicly recognizes the site's exemplary program, and removes
up to three of the company's construction sites per year from programmed
OSHNC compliance inspections.
Businesses that earn the Building Star may stay in the
program for three years. Companies can re-apply after the third year of
Star status as long as the workplace continues to maintain a solid
safety and health program and submits required annual information, such
as injury and illness rate data.
Advantages of Building Start stated by NC OSHA:
- Improved employee motivation to work safely
- Participants generally record reductions in workers' compensation costs
- Safe and healthful working conditions
- Reduced absenteeism and turnover
- Reduced employee complaints to OSHNC Compliance
- Avoidance of costly OSHNC penalties
- More efficient operations
- Increased productivity
- Improved employee morale
- Recognition
Companies seeking a Star program application or additional information
about the programs:
Contact Lamont Smith, Star program manager, Department of Labor | 1-800-NC-LABOR.