AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN ALLIANCE
BETWEEN
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
CORPUS CHRISTI AREA OFFICE
AND
SOUTH TEXAS EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION SAFETY NETWORK

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.