Germantown adopts workplace safety ordinance and updates OSHA program plan

On third and final reading, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved Ordinance 2026‑6 on March 23 to amend Division 2 of the city’s Occupational Safety and Health Program and subsequently adopted Resolution 26 R 04 updating the city OSHA program plan.

Director Purdue told the board the ordinance codifies the city’s written occupational safety and health program to align with the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Act and TOSHA requirements. Key ordinance provisions designate the city administrator’s authority to appoint a safety director responsible for developing and administering the program and allow recommended amendments to the program for board consideration.

The OSHA program plan revisions added explicit 24‑hour reporting requirements for hospitalizations, amputations and loss of an eye (in line with updated TOSHA and federal OSHA guidance), updated work‑location contact lists and appendices, and clarified accident reporting procedures at department and administrator levels. Director Purdue emphasized the changes are to ensure compliance and continued employee safety.

The ordinance and the resolution passed by unanimous vote after motions from Alderman Yulicki and seconds by Alderman Sanders (ordinance) and Vice Mayor Gibson (resolution). The board thanked staff for the compliance work.

Next steps: Staff will circulate the updated program materials to department heads and implement the revised reporting timeline and recordkeeping procedures.