OSHA Takes More Safety Control at Oak Ridge Energy Properties
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor’s OSHA and the Department of Energy updated their 1992 agreement about who handles safety rules at Oak Ridge, Tennessee properties. Starting December 22, 2025, OSHA will take on more responsibility for worker safety at these privatized DOE sites, making sure rules are clear and enforced. This change affects contractors working there and helps keep workplaces safer without changing costs or deadlines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
OSHA/TOSHA Takeover of Oak Ridge Sites
Starting December 22, 2025, Tennessee OSHA (TOSHA) assumes and maintains occupational safety and health regulatory authority over four transferred parcels at the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The four parcels (Powerhouse Area Tract [ID 11954]; K-1037 (ED-21) [ID 12892]; K-732 Switchyard (ED-20D) [ID 12797]; and K-27 and K-29 (ED-22) [ID 13136]) total approximately 710.81 acres and the change affects private‑sector and State and local government employers and employees working at those sites.
Radiation Threshold and Safety Assurance
OSHA and TOSHA stated that DOE provided assurances there is no likelihood any employee at these ETTP parcels will be exposed to radiation levels equal to or exceeding 25 millirems per year (25 mrem/yr). TOSHA confirmed the transfer of authority is free from regulatory gaps and does not diminish employee safety and health protections.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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