February 16, 2016
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA announces national safety "step-up" to protect workers at oil
and gas exploration sites

WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced the 2016 Step-Up for Safety in the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry to raise awareness among employers and workers about hazards in oil and gas exploration. During step-up events, employers around the country will take time out to conduct site inspections, safety training and other activities. These events will be held mid-February until the end of March.

The Step-Up is an activity of the alliance between OSHA, the National Service, Transmission, Exploration & Production Safety (STEPS) Network, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Twenty-two regional STEPS Networks will coordinate and promote the events.

"Hazardous working conditions are taking the lives of a growing number of workers employed in oil and gas extraction," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "This safety step-up will help emphasize the tremendous value in dedicating time during a workday to improve safety and health."

The National STEPS Network, founded in 2003, is a volunteer organization that includes industry operators, contractors and associations, OSHA and NIOSH representatives, and educational institutions that promote safety, health, and environmental improvement in oil and gas exploration and production in U.S. onshore operations.

For more information, visit the Step Up for Safety Web site, which includes a menu of resources that employers can use during their events.

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 www.osha.gov.

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