Workplace Regulations and Compliance
The division of Workplace Regulations and Compliance (WRC) oversees a diverse set of programs including: Mine Safety, Boiler and Elevator Operations, Amusement Devices, and Labor Standards. The primary goal of the division is to protect employees and keep the public safe. The responsibility of the programs is to prevent potential hazards involved with the operation of boilers, elevators, and amusement devices. In addition, WRC through its Labor Standards Unit regulates the Child Labor Act, the Non-Smoker Protection Act, the Illegal Alien Employment Act, Tennessee Lawful Employment Act, the Wage Regulations Act and the Tennessee Prevailing Wage Act. Mine Safety offers health and safety training in coal mines, crushed stone quarries, sand and gravel pits, and any other mining operations in the state. In addition, WRC through its Mine Safety Unit maintains two mine rescue teams for emergency response. A major component of WRC is to educate employees and employers as to the various state laws. The Mine Safety Unit educates employees and employers as to state and federal laws.
Boiler Unit
- How do I get a copy of the boiler rules and regulations?
- How can I learn about Boiler changes or updates?
- What companies are approved or available to make repairs, erections and/or alterations of vessels in Tennessee?
- What other types of variances are available?
- Is a company with an expired variance required to appear before the Board of Boiler Rules and request a variance for editorial or equipment changes?
- Is the company required to submit another request to the Chief Boiler Inspector after the variance expires?
Mine Safety Unit
- I have a question about a mine license or certification fee invoice?
- How might I receive updates or safety notices or advisories regarding mine safety?
- How might I contact the Mine Safety Unit?
- How do I know if my underground mine is eligible for rescue services
- What are the mine accident reporting requirements?
- Is there a fee for taking the mine foreman exam and obtaining certification?
Elevator Unit
- Who do I contact for elevator industry requirement questions?
- How do I locate board information, members, meeting dates and minutes?
- How much are the routine inspection and annual operating permit fees?
- May I pay my invoice fees by credit or debit card?
- May I bring cash to your office?
- Will the state send an invoice for payment?
Labor Standards Unit
- What can I do if I am being paid less than another employee of the opposite sex for the same work?
- What should I do if I think I was wrongfully terminated?
- Should I be paid for my mileage?
- Should I be paid minimum wage?
- Should I be paid overtime?
- Are there any regulations regarding salaried-exempt employees?
Amusement Devices
- I have a question about an Amusement Device Permit Renewal Notice?
- How might I contact the Amusement Device Unit?
- How do I locate board information, members, meeting dates and minutes?
- How might I view safety notices or advisories regarding amusement devices?
- How may I send a tip to the unit?
- Is there a listing of Compliant/Non-Compliant companies?
Posters - State and Federal Required
- Which Federal posters do I need?
- The TN Child Labor Poster and the TOSHA Safety and Health posters don’t print on one page. Is there something wrong?
- A company has contacted me and says I need the updated Sexual Harassment Poster. Where can I get that?
- A company has contacted me every year and says your posters have been updated and I need to buy theirs. What should I do?
- A company has contacted me trying to sell posters. Should I buy one from them?
- My company is very small and only has a few employees. Am I still required to have these posters?
Payday regulations, non-payment of wages, final paychecks
- Who receives the last wages due to a deceased employee?
- If an employer's policy provides a paid vacation and the employee's employment is terminated, is the employer required to compensate for any vacation time I have accrued but not used?
- Is an employer required by law to provide paid vacation, holidays, severance pay, sick pay, or health insurance?
- Can an employer terminate an employee for a claim of equal pay?
- I work in the same job classification as a person of the opposite sex, but I am paid less. Is this legal?
- Can my employer hold my paycheck until I return my uniform, etc.?
Child Labor
General Information
- How can I obtain or renew a business license in Tennessee?
- Maternity Leave
- Acronyms used in the Division of Workplace Regulations & Compliance
- I have not received my w2 from my employer, what can I do?
- How can I get copies of my past work information?
- How do I file a claim for discriminatory practices?