§ 50-3-401 — Injunctive relief

(a) (1) Where the commissioner of labor and workforce development has reason to believe that any condition or practice in any place of employment could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical harm immediately or before the imminence of the danger can be eliminated through the enforcement procedures otherwise provided by this chapter, the commissioner may institute proceedings to prevent, correct or remove the conditions or practice in any court having statutory power to enjoin or restrain in the county in which the condition or practice exists. (2) Injunctive relief granted under this subsection (a) may require the removal of all individuals from the place of employment except those individuals required to prevent, correct or remove the imminent danger. (3) In the event that cessation of employment operations is necessary, the injunctive relief may require the cessation to be accomplished in a safe and orderly manner. (b) For the purpose of Rule 65.03 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, the commissioner, when seeking relief under subsection (a), shall be considered to represent the interest of any employee affected by the condition or practice referred to by subsection (a). (c) Institution of a proceeding for injunctive relief under this section shall not in any way bar the institution or continuation of proceedings for the imposition of monetary penalties under §§ 50-3-402 - 50-3-408. (d) Any employee or group of employees affected by a condition or practice referred to in subsection (a) may be permitted to intervene in an action brought by the commissioner pursuant to this section; provided, that the intervention is subject to the discretion of the court in which the action is brought.

Legislative History

Acts 1972, ch. 561, § 10; 1974, ch. 585, §§ 14, 15; 1977, ch. 111, §§ 17, 18; T.C.A., §§ 50-528 -- 50-530; Acts 1999, ch. 520, § 41.