STEPS Network Meeting September 15, 2004

Purpose: The South Texas Exploration and Production Safety Network, commonly known as the STEPS Network, promotes safety, health and environmental improvement in the exploration and production of oil and gas in South Texas . The STEPS Network fosters a work environment that relies upon open communication and trust.

Marianne McGee, OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist, Corpus Christi Area Office

• 15 work related fatalities reported to the CC Area Office since October 1, 2003 .

3 of the above were in the oil and gas industry

• Release of pressure during plug and abandon operation
• Electrocution from contact with live conductor while disconnecting oil pump unit
• Release of pressure
• 18 fatalities (total) reported to the Corpus Christi Area Office since October 1, 2003 (2 non work-related heart attacks and one off duty drowning)

Sharing of incidents:

A network member relayed the fact that recently they have had numerous pieces of equipment stolen.

Russel Edwards, BP America Production, Inc.: SAFE Hands:

• PowerPoint presentation available in the best practices section of the Steps Network website.
• Survey the worksite for safety hazards; red zone, yellow zone.
• Actions; written procedures, and job safety analysis (risk assessment tool).
• Familiarity; training, communicate, demonstrate, evaluate, understanding responsibilities, and stopping unsafe work.
• Equipment; tools and personal protective equipment.

Tonna Marcyes , Texas Worker's Compensation Commission: Available safefy and health training:

• Video library, 3000 videos available for loan:
• Onsite Company education and training topics; fall protection, haz comm, oil and gas safety, PPE program development.
• Oil and gas safety: accident prevention, PPE, confined space entry, haz comm, lo/to, and walking and working surfaces.
• Health and safety publications, toolbox talks. Available for free download. www.twcc.state.tx.us/publications

Rogelio Casas, BJ Services:Safety initiative - Developing posters through local teams:

• Identified trends and had local teams develop posters demonstrating the correct way to perform tasks, e.g, carrying iron.

Dale Nelson - Hurricane awareness:

• Hurricane will hit the US this evening or tomorrow.
• Showed videos of damage from Claudette last year.

The next meeting will be held October 20, 2004 at 8am at the Holiday Inn Airport in Corpus Christi and will be sponsored by Acme Trucking.