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

OSHA and National Service, Transmission, Exploration & Production Safety (STEPS) Network and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) continue to recognize the value of maintaining a collaborative relationship to improve safety and health practices and programs in American workplaces, and commit to continue their work together through an Alliance Program Ambassador relationship.

In recognition of this ongoing commitment, OSHA will continue to foster an active relationship with National Service, Transmission, Exploration & Production Safety (STEPS) Network and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) by:

Providing routine communication on OSHA’s enforcement, regulatory, and outreach initiatives;
Sharing invitations to, and offering opportunities to speak at, OSHA Alliance Program and other agency stakeholder meetings or events, such as outreach and training activities through the National, Regional, or Area Offices, and the National Alliance Program Construction Roundtable and Forum; and
Engaging in information sharing and technical discussions, as appropriate, including completing special projects of mutual interest that align with agency priorities, as resources allow;

The National Service, Transmission, Exploration & Production Safety (STEPS) Network will continue to foster an active relationship with OSHA and NIOSH by:

Sharing information with members and stakeholders on OSHA’s National Initiatives (enforcement, regulatory, and outreach), and encouraging their participation in OSHA’s outreach initiatives and rulemaking processes;
Sharing information with members and stakeholders on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers;
Encouraging partner organizations to continue to build relationships with OSHA’s National, Regional and Area Offices to address health, safety, and whistleblower issues;
Offering NIOSH and OSHA opportunities to speak, exhibit, or appear at their annual Oil and Gas Industry conferences and other local meetings, or other training and outreach events);
Offering OSHA opportunities to speak, exhibit, or appear at partner organizations conferences, local meetings, or other annual events including annual Oil and Gas Conferences.

NIOSH will continue to foster an active relationship with OSHA and the National STEPS Network by:

Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating industry-specific information for the purpose of identifying and monitoring safety and health issues in the industry.
Conducting field studies to further characterize and control safety and health issues in the industry.
Sharing NIOSH research findings and recommendations with OSHA and the National STEPS Network through training programs, workshops, seminars, Regional STEPS Network meetings, and presentations (or any other applicable forum).
Participating in technical discussions, as appropriate, including completing special projects and hazard alerts that are of mutual interest and align with agency priorities as resources allow.
Sharing invitations to and offering opportunities to speak at National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Oil and Gas Extraction Council meetings and webinars as appropriate.
Providing technical review of OSHA materials as requested.

Products and Resources

Alliance Program Participant Developed Products

Fluid Transfer Transport Hazard Alert (PDF), Spanish (PDF). Through the OSHA and National STEPS Network and NIOSH Alliance, the organizations developed a hazard alert on toxic and flammable gas hazards that may be present during vacuum loading and off-loading operations in the oil and gas industry. (2021, October; Spanish translation 2022, June).

Ground Disturbance in U.S. Onshore Upstream Oil and Gas Construction and Maintenance Activities (PDF), 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.

Multi-Gas Monitors for Oil and Gas Industry Hazard Alert (PDF), 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).

Prevention of Fatalities from Ignition of Vapors by Mobile Engines and Auxiliary Motors Hazard Alert (PDF), 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).

Hot Work in Oilfields Hazard Alert (PDF), 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 (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).

Welding Fumes in the Oil and Gas Industry (English - PDF), Spanish (Spanish - PDF). Through the OSHA and National STEPS and NIOSH Alliance, the organizations developed a hazard alert aimed at protecting the safety and health of workers engaged in welding the oil and gas industry by conveying welding fumes hazard and controls. (2023, September).