Workers Compensation NC: Can You Exclude Certain Injuries or Workers?

In North Carolina, workers compensation coverage is generally mandatory for most employees, but specific carve-outs and eligibility rules can limit who must be insured and which injuries are covered. Under NC law, certain executive officers and corporate directors may elect to be excluded from coverage in writing, while some agricultural workers and domestic employees can be excluded if specific conditions are met. Small employers with three or fewer permanent employees may also qualify for exclusion if all eligible owners and spouses agree to opt out. At the same time, statutory benefits cannot be contractually waived on the job, so employees cannot be forced to give up coverage. This overview explains who can be excluded, how to structure exclusions, and what risks remain when you exclude workers or injury types in North Carolina.