US Labor Departments OSHA and South Louisiana STEPS form new alliance to promote safety and health for workers in oil and gas industry

LAFAYETTE, La. – Furthering safety and health for oil and gas workers in Louisiana is the goal of an alliance signed today by the Baton Rouge Area Office of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the South Louisiana Service Transmission, Exploration and Production Safety Network.

"This is an opportunity for OSHA and members of the oil and gas industry to come together through forums, roundtable discussions, meetings and conferences to discuss safety and health issues associated with production, drilling and transportation operations," said William Burke, OSHA's acting regional administrator in Dallas. "The joint resources of this relationship will help make the oil and gas industry as safe and healthful as possible."

South Louisiana STEPS was initiated in September 2009 and is patterned after the successful South Texas Exploration and Production Safety Network. STEPS provides a forum for industry employers, contractors and employees to meet on a monthly basis; discuss best practices and lessons learned within the industry; and disperse crucial information to enhance workplace safety. Additionally, the network provides small businesses with information needed to build an effective safety and health management system.

Through its 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 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/.

Employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA alliances or partnerships may call OSHA's Baton Rouge Area Office at 225-298-5458.

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.