OSHA Oilfield Safety Program ‘Voluntary’

In response to high oilfield fatalty rates, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has introduced a new plan aimed at promoting safety on oil fields. The only hitch? It's voluntary. From CBS7 in Midland, Texas: In 2012, there were 40 oil-field fatalities in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana alone, which is considered Region 6. That’s an increase of 7 deaths from 2011. OSHA wants to change that with a new Stand-Down plan. Employers can voluntarily choose to take time out of their workday to stop work and educate employees and managers on-site. But it's voluntary, with no mandate to participate. The "Stand Down" program, which runs through February 28, was launched in partnership with STEPS, a volunteer safety organization founded by OSHA and the oil and gas industry.