MORE THAN 130 FREE SAFETY AND HEALTH TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Safety Fest TN is on again! The 11th annual event, to be held April 27 – May 1 in Oak Ridge and Knoxville, will feature over 130 free safety and health classes, sessions, and demonstrations. A safety expo and the safety demonstrations will take place on April 28 – 29. The online registration system will open mid-March, and spots are expected to fill quickly. For updates watch the website (www.safetyfesttn.org) or LinkedIn and Facebook social media.
Most classes and sessions will be hosted by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS) at the Y-12 Nuclear Security Complex New Hope Center (602 Scarboro Road), the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (3607 Oak Ridge Turnpike), and Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) at the Pollard Technology Conference Center (210 Badger Avenue) in Oak Ridge.
“It’s all about safety and health at work, at home, and in the community,” said Carey Norton, a Safety Fest TN planning team member from CNS. “And it’s a big community! We’ve had attendees from across Tennessee and beyond with representation from as far away as Colorado, Utah, and Washington at past events.”
“Safety Fest TN 2026 is going to be bigger than ever and there’s something for everyone,” said Michelle Keever, vice chair of the planning team from United Cleanup Oak Ridge, LLC (UCOR). “With a long list of subjects, safety and health professionals, managers, workers, and members of the public will almost certainly find a class they need.” Safety and health topics include machine safeguarding, emergency planning, confined space, electrical, ergonomics, fall prevention, and first aid/
CPR/AED, leadership skills, environmental protection, mental and physical health, human and organizational performance, and toxic metals. A suite of OSHA certificate classes and much more will be offered.
Attendees come from the largest corporations and the smallest companies; colleges, universities, technical institutions, and high schools; trade and labor unions; non-profit organizations; federal, state, and local government agencies; and utilities. “Every part of the community is represented,” said J.J. Rochelle, chair of the Safety Fest TN planning team from Pro2Serve. “You get to meet, talk and walk with folks from every level of every sector. It’s a priceless opportunity to learn and network!”
More than 1,100 people registered for the 2025 event, representing 195 organizations from 94 cities in 22 states. “We expect well over 1,000 will attend this year,” said Max Bertram, a Safety Fest TN planning team member from UT-Battelle, LLC the managing contractor for Oak Ridge National Laboratory. “Obviously, we’ve hit a nerve—there’s a demand out there and, once a year, Safety Fest TN fills that need.”
Safety Fest TN is made possible through a long list of event partners, sponsors, and providers. “Go check out the website. It’s amazing who’s helping promote safety,” said Cynthia Bullard of Scientific Sales, Inc. “And just like the attendees, support comes from across the full spectrum of the community. Your organization can help, too!”
For more information, follow Safety Fest TN on LinkedIn, Facebook or visit www.safetyfesttn.org. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
