Are employers obligated to provide employee lockers or storage areas?

In North Carolina, employers are not statutorily obligated to provide storage areas or lockers for their employees. However, many employers choose to do so as a courtesy because it helps to keep the workplace clean and organized. Most often, employers provide lockers or storage areas in employee common areas such as break rooms or locker rooms. In addition, employers are not statutorily required to reimburse employees for the use of their locker or storage areas, though some may choose to do so. However, employers must comply with various labor and employment laws that come into play when providing storage areas for employees. These include federal and state occupational safety and health laws, such as those related to fire safety and the prevention of hazardous material exposure. For example, when employers provide lockers or storage areas, they must ensure that they are fireproof and that combustible materials are not stored in them. Although employers in North Carolina are not obligated to provide employee lockers or storage areas, it may be wise for them to consider doing so. Lockers and storage areas can help keep the workplace clean and organized, and they can also go a long way to ensuring compliance with various labor and employment laws.

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