OSHA TRAINING IN TENNESSEE

Tennessee OSHA (TOSHA) – State Plan Overview

The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA), a division of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, is responsible for overseeing and enforcing occupational safety and health regulations across most workplaces within the state.

Distinctive Tennessee Standards

While the Tennessee State Plan incorporates many Federal OSHA regulations, it also enforces several state-specific General Industry Standards, including:

• Smoking in the Workplace – Regulations restricting tobacco use in work environments.

• Firefighter Protection – Enhanced safety protocols for fire service personnel.

• Electrical Hazards – Additional provisions for electrical safety beyond federal standards.

• Sharps Injury Prevention – Rules aimed at minimizing needlestick and sharps-related injuries.

• Hazard Communication – Requirements for informing employees about hazardous substances.

• Toxic Chemicals and Handling – State-specific guidelines for managing toxic agents.

Training Recommendations

Although OSHA training is not federally mandated for all workers, OSHA strongly recommends:

• 10-Hour OSHA Training for entry-level workers

• 30-Hour OSHA Training for supervisors and workers in leadership roles

These courses help employees understand workplace hazards, comply with safety standards, and obtain DOL (Department of Labor) cards, which are often preferred—or required—by employers in Tennessee.

Employees Covered by Federal OSHA in Tennessee

Despite the state’s autonomy under its Official State Plan, certain categories of workers remain under Federal OSHA jurisdiction, including:

• Federal government employees

• U.S. Postal Service workers and contractors operating USPS facilities

• Maritime workers (except for marine construction, which is under TOSHA)

• Railroad employees (except where regulated by other federal agencies)

• Workers on military bases and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) sites

• Aircraft cabin crew members while in-flight

• Any worksite, hazard, or operation where TOSHA does not have effective jurisdiction