Which regulations govern worksite safety in North Carolina?

The correct answer highlights the importance of OSHA regulations, which stand for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's guidelines designed to ensure workplace safety and health standards are met. In North Carolina, OSHA regulations are paramount for contractors, as they establish the necessary protocols and safety measures that must be followed on construction worksites to protect workers from hazards. This includes regulations on equipment use, fall protection, scaffolding safety, and other critical safety practices relevant to the construction industry.

While EPA guidelines focus on environmental protection—which indirectly affects safety by ensuring that work environments are not hazardous in terms of pollution—these are not specifically centered on worksite safety. State building codes, on the other hand, primarily cover the construction standards and quality of buildings, rather than safety practices. Insurance requirements serve to protect against financial losses but do not dictate safety protocols on the job site. Understanding the focus and establishment of OSHA regulations reinforces the contractor's duty to maintain a safe working environment, making it the key regulatory framework for worksite safety in North Carolina.