The commissioner of labor and workforce development may engage in educational programs to provide an adequate supply of qualified personnel to carry out the purposes of this chapter, and is authorized to conduct, directly or by grants or contracts, training of personnel engaged in work related to the commissioner's responsibilities under this chapter. In carrying out the commissioner's responsibilities under this chapter, the commissioner is authorized to:
(1) Use, with the consent of any state agency or agency of county or municipal government, the services, facilities and personnel of the agency, with or without reimbursement in accordance with existing regulations and procedures;(2) Employ experts and consultants or organizations of experts and consultants; and compensate the individuals employed at rates determined by the commissioner and approved by the department of finance and administration, including travel time, and allow them travel expenses while employed;(3) Engage in programs of research, demonstrations and experiments, directly, or by grant or contract, relating to occupational safety and health; and(4) Provide to employers or employees, to the extent feasible, advice and assistance to enable them to improve occupational safety and health in their work places.Acts 1972, ch. 561, § 17; 1974, ch. 585, § 37; 1977, ch. 111, § 36; T.C.A., § 50-565; Acts 1999, ch. 520, § 41.