labor lawAdivision of labor law center

It is mandated that in the state of Tennessee employers must post the Tennessee State and Federal Labor Law poster in a place that is visible and well-trafficked so that all employees can see it. I found that the purpose of posting the posters is so that all employees will be aware of their workplace rights while also learning about labor laws.

I also found that it is the employer’s duty to inform and assist with an employee’s education and safety when it comes to the workplace. The OSHA requirements for the state of Tennessee clearly state that it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the workplace is clean and safe from any hazards that could present possible injury, illness or death.

OSHA inspectors are allowed to inspect an employer’s place of work and should be accompanied by an employee during the inspection. If a worker believes that his or her place of work is in violation of OSHA guidelines, then the worker may contact the Department of Labor in order to have an inspector do a walk-through of the place of work.

If an employee does contact the Department, the employer may not punish the worker or dock the worker’s pay. The employer must allow the employee to show the workplace to the inspector. If the inspector does find that the workplace conditions are in violation of OSHA standards, then the employer will be fined and be made to change the working conditions.

The risks of having an unsafe workplace outweigh the costs to have the workplace in compliance with OSHA standards. Not only are OSHA standards mandatory, but they are also put in place to protect workers. In addition to meeting OSHA standards, your business may also be responsible for having workers’ compensation insurance, so make sure that you are aware of the rules and laws so that you can ensure that you are compliant.

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1. Posted by: DR JOSEPH ABOOD

   Can you direct me to any writing that anyone with long hair, if assisting in surgery…even exodontia, must wear protection hair cover such as a bouffant? I am an Assoc. Professor of Surgery @ Meharry and I need something to back me up in enforcing our female students, faculty and staff to wear head cover during a bloody procedure. Please help!
   Dr Joseph Abood

2. Posted by: Amelia

   Thanks for reading our blog! This probably relates to medical standards more than it does to worker safety. One way to find out for sure is to post it as a question on our sister site, http://www.humanresroucesblog.com, where a panel of experts can try to answer it.

   It’s important to note that not only women should wear head coverings. Some women have short hair, and some men have long hair. So any employer’s rule on this should relate to hair length, not sex.

   The easiest way to address this problem would simply be to require every employee to wear a bouffant. I believe that’s the way it’s done in most operating theaters.

   Thanks! Amelia