The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
and the South Texas Exploration and Production Safety (STEPS) Network recognize
the value of renewing our relationship that fosters safer and more healthful
American workplaces. OSHA and the STEPS Network hereby renew their Alliance to
provide STEPS Network members and others with information, guidance, and access
to training resources that will help them protect employees’ health and safety,
particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to hazards in oil and gas
exploration, production, and product transmission. In developing this Alliance,
OSHA and STEPS recognize that the Texas Department of Insurance, Consultation
Project partner, is an integral part of the OSHA national effort.
OSHA and STEPS will work together to achieve the following training and
education goals:
- Arrange for the delivery of OSHA Compliance / Hazard Recognition courses
for STEPS participants. The content and frequency will be jointly agreed upon.
OSHA and STEPS will work together to achieve the
following outreach and communication goals:
- Attend, exhibit, or speak at oil and gas industry conferences, local
meetings, or other venues to promote safety and health relative to our industry.
- Cross-train OSHA and industry personnel responsible for safety and health on
mutually agreed upon best practices.
- Share best practices through print and electronic media, as jointly
determined by OSHA and STEPS, with others in our industry.
- Promote and encourage STEPS members’ participation in OSHA’s cooperative
programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP),
Consultation (OSHCON), and SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition
Program).
- Work with Alliance participants on specific issues and projects to recognize
and prevent exposure to industry hazards.
OSHA and STEPS will work together to achieve the following goals related to
promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health:
- Raise others’ awareness of and demonstrate our commitment to workplace
safety and health at every opportunity.
- Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder
meetings concerning oil and gas industry safety and health issues to develop
innovative solutions in the workplace and provide input on safety, health, and
environmental awareness.
OSHA’s Alliances provide parties an opportunity to
participate in a voluntary cooperative relationship with OSHA for purposes such
as training and education, outreach and communication, and promoting a national
dialogue on workplace safety and health. These Alliances have proved to be
valuable tools for both OSHA and its Alliance participants. By entering into an
Alliance with a party, OSHA is not endorsing any of that party’s products or
services; nor does the Agency enter into an Alliance with the purpose of
promoting a particular party’s products or services.
An implementation team made up of representatives of both organizations will
meet to develop a plan of action, determine working procedures, and identify the
roles and responsibilities of the participants. In addition, the team will meet
at least three times per year to track and share information on activities and
results in achieving the goals of the Alliance. The Texas Department of
Insurance, Division of Worker’s Compensation will participate on the team.
This agreement will remain in effect for two years. Any signatory may terminate
it for any reason at any time, provided they give 30 days written notice. This
agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of all signatories.
| Signed on this
day, October 15, 2008 |
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Joe Reina, Region VI Deputy Regional Administrator
Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
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John A. Giefer, Corpus Christi Area Office, Area Director
Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
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Phil Brazil, STEPS President |
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Bobby Baber, STEPS Vice President |
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Pat Marshall, STEPS Secretary |
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