March 2012, Vol. 67 No. 3
Newsline
OSHA Renews Alliance With American Pipeline Contractors Association
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has renewed its Alliance with the American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) to continue working together to protect workers from serious job hazards during equipment operation, trenching and excavation, and hydrostatic testing.
“As OSHA continues its Alliance with the American Pipeline Contractors Association, one of our goals is to ensure that appropriate precautions are taken to protect workers during pipeline construction for the oil and gas industry,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health David Michaels. “We value APCA’s collaborative efforts to change the culture of pipeline industry workplaces so that employers and workers cooperate with a focus on prevention.”
During the two-year agreement, the Alliance will share information on occupational safety and health standards, and worker rights and employer responsibilities through forums, exhibits and stakeholder meetings. The Alliance will also focus on issues related to small businesses, distracted driving, and non-English and limited-English-speaking workers.
APCA addresses safety, environmental and security issues within the pipeline industry among pipeline contractors, manufacturers and suppliers of pipeline-related products and services. The association represents approximately 14,000 workers and more than 40 member companies, and offers training on industry changes and the best ways to cope with these changes.
Through the Alliance Program, OSHA works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share information with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.
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