The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the South Texas Exploration and
Production Safety (STEPS) Network recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship
to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces. OSHA and the STEPS Network hereby form an
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 Workers’
Compensation Commission, 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 Workers’
Compensation Commission 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.
John B. Miles
Region VI Regional Administrator
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration |
Date |
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John A. Giefer
Corpus Christi Area Office, Area Director
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration |
Date |
Rick Ingram
STEPS President |
Date |
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Charles Moore
STEPS Vice President |
Date |
Javier Balderas
STEPS Secretary |
Date |
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William R. DeCabooter, TWCC
Director, Worker’s Health and
Safety Division |
Date |
Armando Cantu
STEPS Executive Committee |
Date |
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Marc LaRocca
STEPS Executive Committee |
Date |
Ted Reed
STEPS Executive Committee |
Date |
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Tony Jones
STEPS Executive Committee |
Date |
Amador Garza
STEPS Executive Committee |
Date |
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John Buehrig
STEPS Executive Committee |
Date |
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