Promoting worker safety in oil and gas sector prompts OSHA area offices in El Paso and Lubbock, Texas, to renew Permian Basin STEPS Network alliance

MIDLAND, Texas — To continue its mission to keep oil and gas workers safe, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has renewed its 2008 alliance with the Permian Basin Service, Transmission, Exploration and Production Safety Network in Midland.

"This alliance reflects a commitment to collaborative approaches that promote workers' safety and health," said Joann Figueroa, OSHA's area director in El Paso. "By joining forces, we will continue to help save lives, prevent injuries and raise awareness in the oil and gas industries within the Permian Basin and west Texas."

Alliance participants will continue to encourage worker participation in safety and health by holding monthly meetings, sharing best practices and striving to make safety a part of the oil and gas industry culture. Some safety and health issues that will be covered include exposure to hazardous chemicals and gas, including hydrogen sulfide, fire and explosion hazards, fall hazards and struck-by, caught-by and other hazards unique to the industry.

The signing ceremony was held today at the Permian Basin STEPS Network office in Midland, where the alliance was signed by Joann Figueroa, director of OSHA's El Paso Area Office; Elizabeth Linda Routh, director of OSHA's Lubbock Area Office; and Andy Cobb, vice president of the Permian Basin STEPS Network.

Through the Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, and 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/index.html.

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.