Workplace Regulations and Compliance
The Division of Workplace Regulations and Compliance (WRC) oversees a diverse set of programs: Amusement Device Unit, Boiler Unit, Elevator Unit, Labor Standards Unit, and Mine Safety Unit. The objectives of the compliance programs are to protect employees and keep the public safe by preventing potential hazards involved with the operation of boilers, elevators, and amusement devices. The Labor Standards Unit enforces the Child Labor Act, the Non-Smoker Protection Act, the Illegal Alien Employment Act, Tennessee Lawful Employment Act, Wage Regulations Act, and the Prevailing Wage Act. Also, WRC conducts training for the employers on the requirements of these labor laws as to their responsibilities when hiring/employing workers. The Mine Safety Unit provides federally/state mandated health and safety training to workers in coal mines, metal mines, sand and gravel pits, and crushed stone quarries; issues mine foreman certifications; and licenses coal/metal mines (surface and underground) to operate.
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?
- What happens 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?
- What are the mine accident reporting requirements?
- Is there a fee for taking the mine foreman exam and obtaining certification?
- How does an individual obtain certification as a mine foreman?
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
- 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?
- Where do I get the Payday Notice?
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
- Is there a law requiring my employer to provide my personnel filed upon request?
- 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?
- Are there any specific discriminatory laws for pregnant employees?