Tennessee OSHA Co-Sponsors 6th Annual Safety Fest TN

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) is once again partnering with Safety Fest TN to present the free safety and health expo for businesses and residents in east Tennessee.  

Safety Fest TN will be held September 11 through 15 in Oak Ridge and Knoxville.  The event will feature more than 90 free safety and health classes, break-out sessions and demonstrations.  There is an extensive class schedule, which covers topics pertinent to safety and health professionals, managers, and workers, as well as the general public. 

“Offering these free safety classes, where we can help educate safety and health professionals, is an effective way to try to reduce injury and illness rates in the workplace,” said Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development (TDLWD) Commissioner Burns Phillips. “It’s important TOSHA be involved with Safety Fest TN and I believe it’s a great way for this agency to connect with different industries across the state.”

During Safety Fest TN attendees will have the opportunity to see some of the latest safety equipment available.  The Safety Expo will feature over 40 organizations which will demonstrate a wide range of innovative products and services that focus on safety and health.

Brand new for 2017, the Oak Ridge Emergency Management Forum is joining Safety Fest TN on the afternoon of September 13.  They will also take part in the new Emergency Management Expo on September 14.

“These two new additions fold in seamlessly with and really enhance the “Secret City” Fire Department Conference, on September 13 and 14,” said Daryl Kerley, Chief of the City of Oak Ridge Fire Department and a Safety Fest TN Planning Committee member.  

Attendees come from large and small businesses, non-profits, labor unions, and federal, state, and local government agencies.

Some of the subject areas offered during Safety Fest TN include electrical safety, ergonomics, fall prevention, ladder safety, and the OSHA 10-hour certificate classes.

“Safety Fest continues to receive a positive response from health and safety professionals, and the community, as attendance increases each year. We’re expecting over 1,000 people to attend Safety Fest this September,” said ORAU’s Tom Wantland, another Safety Fest TN organizer. “We rely on and greatly appreciate the support TOSHA has provided us over the years. Without TOSHA, Safety Fest could not be as successful as it is today.”

Most of the classes and sessions will take place at the New Hope Center at 602 Scarboro Road and the Pollard Technology Conference Center at 210 Badger Avenue in Oak Ridge.  Additional classes will be offered at other locations in Oak Ridge and Knoxville.

“Since the event is free, we hope this gives everyone interested in learning more about safety and health the option to attend,” said Assistant Commissioner Steve Hawkins.  

Safety Fest TN begins September 12 with speakers that include Commissioner Phillips, Assistant Commissioner for TOSHA Steve Hawkins, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner David Purkey, and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan.

There are a limited number of registration openings available to attend this free event.  You can learn more about Safety Fest TN and register by visiting www.SafetyFestTN.org.

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