Region 6 News Release: 13-1939-DAL
Sept. 25, 2013
Contact: Diana Petterson Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 972-850-4710 972-850-4709
Email: petterson.diana@dol.gov rodriguez.juan@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA in Dallas signs alliance with the Association of Energy
Service Companies to promote safety and health in the oil and gas well industry

DALLAS – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Dallas has signed a region-wide alliance with the Association of Energy Service Companies to develop a collaborative relationship aimed at protecting workers in the oil and gas well industry. The goal is to promote understanding of workplace safety and health and the rights and the responsibilities of workers and employers by increasing access to material and knowledge.

"We welcome the opportunity to join with the AESC to champion proactive ideas in an effort to eliminate hazards and protect workers in the oil and gas well industry," said Eric Harbin, OSHA's deputy regional administrator in Dallas. "OSHA's relationship with AESC will pioneer new ideas and best practices to help make this industry as safe and healthful as possible."

Along with its member companies, AESC will work closely with OSHA to build upon existing training and outreach as well as workplace health and safety goals.

The association, established in 1956, originally represented oil well servicing contractors. In 1996, AESC became known under its current name to reflect an increase in energy industry service providers and members. Association members now include field crews, engineers, manufacturers, and oil and gas producers and operators.

Through the Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA programmed inspections. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

Employers and employees with questions about workplace safety and health standards can call OSHA's Dallas Regional Office at 972-850-4145. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.