Which agency is responsible for the protection of health, safety, and welfare of pest control employees and the general public from pesticide hazards in Tennessee?

The entity that is responsible for the protection of health, safety, and welfare of both pest control employees and the general public from pesticide hazards in Tennessee is the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. This department oversees the regulation of pesticide use, ensuring that all pest control practices comply with state and federal laws designed to minimize risks associated with pesticides.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture's role includes licensing pest control operators, approving pesticide applications, and enforcing safety standards. This is critical in maintaining a safe environment for both workers in the pest control industry and the general public who may be exposed to pesticides.

In contrast, other agencies, while they may have roles related to health or the environment, do not specifically focus on the regulation and safety of pesticide usage in the same context as the Department of Agriculture. The Tennessee Department of Health primarily addresses broader health issues rather than specific pesticide regulations, and the Environmental Protection Agency focuses more on environmental concerns rather than direct oversight of pest control practices at the state level.