National Service, Transmission, Exploration & Production Safety (STEPS) Network and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Through the Alliance, OSHA, the National STEPS Network, and NIOSH will work together to prevent fatalities, injuries, and illnesses in the U.S. onshore exploration and production sector of the oil and gas industry. The goals of the Alliance include:

Raising Awareness of OSHA’s Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives

Share information on OSHA’s enforcement, rulemaking, and other initiatives.

Outreach and Communication

Develop products that increase awareness of, and promote effective controls for, identified workplace hazards.
Enhance OSHA’s oil and gas materials.
Improve the collection and dissemination of NIOSH fatality and injury and illness data to identify and address safety and health issues in the industry, including emerging issues.
Promote the dissemination and adoption of NIOSH oil and gas research findings and recommendations.

Training and Education

Support training events, such as the OSHA Oil and Gas Safety and Health Conferences, other conferences, and oil and gas safety stand-downs.
Provide guidance and resources for development of training for those groups at greatest risk of injury and illness, such as contractors, small companies, short services employees, and temporary workers.

Seated (L to R): Jerry Jacobs, Co-Chairperson, National STEPS Network; Joyce Ryel, Co-Chairperson, National STEPS Network; then-Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels, USDOL-OSHA; John Howard, Director, NIOSH; and Rick Ingram, Chairperson, National STEPS Network, renewing the national Alliance agreement on November 29, 2016.

Products and Resources

Alliance Program Participant Developed Products

Ground Disturbance in U.S. Onshore Upstream Oil and Gas Construction and Maintenance Activities (PDF), Spanish (Spanish - PDF). Through the OSHA and National STEPS Network and NIOSH Alliance, the organizations developed a hazard alert on ground disturbance activities (e.g., excavating, digging, grading) near underground utilities. (December 2018).

Multi-Gas Monitors for Oil and Gas Industry Hazard Alert (PDF), Spanish (Spanish - PDF). Through the OSHA and National STEPS Network and NIOSH Alliance, the organizations developed a hazard alert on the proper use and limitations of multi-gas monitors. (Spanish translation 2017, December). (December 2017).

Prevention of Fatalities from Ignition of Vapors by Mobile Engines and Auxiliary Motors Hazard Alert (PDF), Spanish (Spanish - PDF). Through the OSHA and National STEPS Network and NIOSH Alliance, the organizations developed a hazard alert on how to prevent fires and explosions caused by ignition of vapors by motorized equipment during drilling, servicing, and production operations. (Spanish translation 2017, July). (July 2017).

Hot Work in Oilfields Hazard Alert (PDF), Spanish (Spanish - PDF). Through the OSHA and National STEPS Network and NIOSH Alliance, the organizations developed a hazard alert on how to prevent fatalities associated with hot work on oilfield tanks, tankers and related equipment. (Spanish translation 2017, May).

Tank Hazard Alert (PDF), Spanish (Spanish - PDF). Through the OSHA and National STEPS Network and NIOSH Alliance, the organizations developed a hazard alert focusing on how to recognize and avoid hazards while opening thief hatches of chemical storage tanks. (Spanish translation 2015, May).