Alliance -- An OSHA Cooperative Program << Back to National Alliances

(signed January 25, 2007; renewed February 25, 2009; renewed January 30, 2012)
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OSHA and APCA Alliance Renewal Signing Ceremony, Department of Labor on January 30, 2012.
Dr. David Michaels (center), Assistant Secretary, USDOL-OSHA, with APCA Alliance members Marilyn Cole, Consultant, APCA, and John Fluharty, President, APCA, at the OSHA and APCA Alliance Renewal Signing Ceremony, Department of Labor on January 30, 2012.

Through the OSHA and APCA Alliance, the organizations will work together to provide the association's members and others in the pipeline construction industry, including small businesses and non-English and limited English speaking employees, with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety. The Alliance will particularly address reducing and preventing exposure to equipment operation (e.g. bulldozer, excavator and sideboom), trenching and excavation and hydrostatic testing hazards. The Alliance's goals include:

Raising awareness of OSHA's rulemaking and enforcement initiatives:

  • To share information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
  • To convene or participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on equipment operation (e.g., bulldozer, excavator, and sideboom), trenching and excavation, hydrostatic testing hazards, and issues related to small businesses, distracted driving, and non-English and limited-English-speaking workers to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace or to provide input on safety and health issues.

Outreach and communication:

  • To develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to develop ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA's and the APCA's Web sites) to employers and workers in the industry.
  • To speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or APCA's conferences, local meetings, or other events such as the APCA Annual Meeting.

Milestones and Successes

Related Documents

Alliance Agreements

Alliance Annual Reports

Alliance News Releases

Activities and Events

  • May 6-12, 2012: 2012 North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week. The American Pipeline Contractors Association and a number of other Alliance Program participants support 2012 NAOSH Week. Sponsored annually by ASSE and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, the Week focuses on the importance of preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace. 2012 Theme: "Safety, What Every Business Needs."
  • June 12-15, 2011. ASSE Annual Professional Development Conference (PDC), Safety 2011, Chicago, Illinois.
    • June 15, 2011: Elizabeth Way, Director, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, Directorate of Cooperative and State Plans, USDOL-OSHA; Diana M. Cortez, Area Director, Region II, Tarrytown, New York Area Office, USDOL-OSHA; Marilyn Cole, Consultant, American Pipeline Contractors Association; and Elisonia Valle, Assistant Manager to Human Resources, Wenner Breads, Inc., will present "Safety and Health Resources for Diverse Workforces."
  • May 1-7, 2011: 2011 North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week. The American Pipeline Contractors Association and a number of other Alliance Program participants supported 2011 NAOSH Week. Sponsored annually by the American Society of Safety Engineers, an Alliance Program participant, and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, the Week focuses on the importance of preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace. The theme for 2011 was "Celebrating a Century of Safety."
  • May 2-8, 2010: 2010 North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week. The American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) and a number of other Alliance Program participants supported 2010 NAOSH Week. Sponsored annually by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), the Week focused on the importance of preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace. The theme for 2010 NAOSH Week was "Mission NAOSH 2010: Safe Workplaces."
    • May 3, 2010: Marilyn Cole, Consultant, APCA, attended the NAOSH Week Kick-off event at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC. Assistant Secretary Jordan Barab, USDOL-OSHA; Christopher Patton, President, ASSE; and Andrew Cooper, Secretary, CSSE; provided brief remarks. The Kick-off also featured recognition of and a conversation with ASSE Kids’ “Safety on the Job” poster winners and runner-ups.
  • April 14-15, 2010: National Action Summit for Latino Health & Safety, Houston, Texas. Marilyn Cole, Consultant, APCA, along with individuals from 11 APCA member companies, attended the OSHA sponsored conference that brought together workers and representatives from employer associations, labor unions, the faith community, community organizations, the medical community, safety and health professionals, educators, government officials, Consulates, the entertainment community, and other non-traditional partners.
  • October 19-25, 2009: 2009 Drug-Free Work Week. American Pipeline Contractors Association and a number of other Alliance Program participants are supporting the 2009 Drug-Free Work Week. Sponsored annually by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Working Partners for an Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Program, the Week focuses on educating employers, employees and the public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe and healthful workplace.
  • June 11, 2009: APCA Safety Committee Meeting, Holiday Inn, Houston, Texas.
    • James Shelton, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, Region VI, Houston North Area Office, USDOL-OSHA; gave a presentation "OSHA Update and Safety and Health Management Systems" to pipeline construction safety and health professionals and executives.
  • May 3-9, 2009: 2009 North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week. The American Pipe Line Contractors Association (APCA) and more than 55 other Alliance Program participants supported 2009 NAOSH Week. Sponsored annually by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), an Alliance Program participant, and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), the Week focuses on the importance of preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace. The theme for 2009 NAOSH Week was "Safety Means Always Coming Home."
    • May 4, 2009: Marilyn Cole, Consultant, APCA, attended the NAOSH Week Kick-off event at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC. Acting Assistant Secretary Jordan Barab, USDOL-OSHA; Warren Brown, President, ASSE; and Andrew Cooper, Secretary, CSSE; provided brief remarks. The Kick-off also featured an Alliance Program participant panel with presentations from Alliance Program participants American Heart Association, ASSE, Independent Electrical Contractors, and National Safety Council focusing on workplace safety and health issues.
    • May 4, 2009: Marilyn Cole, Consultant, APCA, attended the OSHA-led afternoon seminar. Barnett Lawrence, Compliance Assistance Coordinator, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances (OOSA), Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs (DCSP), USDOL-OSHA presented "Navigating the OSHA Web Site." Amanda Edens, Deputy Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, USDOL-OSHA; Michael Walterschied, Area Director, Region III, Baltimore/Washington D.C. Area Office, USDOL-OSHA; John Ferris, Director, Office of Emergency Management, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management, USDOL-OSHA; and Doug Goodell, then-Acting Deputy Director, DCSP, USDOL-OSHA participated on the "OSHA Update" panel discussion. Elizabeth Way, Director, OOSA, DCSP, USDOL-OSHA presented "OSHA Top 10 Violations and Compliance Assistance Resources."
  • October 20-26, 2008: 2008 Drug-Free Work Week. The American Pipeline Contractors Association and a number of other Alliance Program participants supported the 2008 Drug-Free Work Week. Sponsored annually by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace Program, the Week focused on educating employers, employees and the public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe and healthful workplace.
  • May 4-10, 2008: 2008 North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week. The American Pipeline Contractors Association and a number of other Alliance Program participants supported 2008 NAOSH Week, "Safety is Good Business." Sponsored annually by American Society of Safety Engineers and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, the Week focuses on the importance of preventing injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
  • March 27, 2008: APCA Safety Committee Meeting, Holiday Inn, Houston, Texas.
    • Rob Swick, Program Analyst, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA; and Robert Ibarra, then-Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, Office of Construction Services, Directorate of Construction, USDOL-OSHA; gave a presentation "OSHA's Cooperative Programs, Construction Issues and Alliance Program Update" to pipeline construction safety and health professionals and executives.
  • March 7-11, 2007: APCA Annual Convention, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
    • March 9, 2007: C. Bryan Little, former-Deputy Assistant Secretary, USDOL-OSHA, updated 90 attendees about the OSHA Alliance Program and the goals of the OSHA/APCA Alliance.

Products and Resources

Alliance Program Participant Developed Products
 
Best Practices Fact Sheets

  • Locating Underground Lines [PDF* - 138 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with locating and identifying underground pipelines/utilities before beginning an excavation. (2012, July)
  • Backhoe Operation Best Practices for Supervisory Personnel and Operators [English PDF* - 154 KB, Spanish PDF* - 112 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with the operation of backhoe equipment such as pre-and post-operation procedures and safe operation considerations. (2008, February; Spanish Translation 2009, March)
  • Dozer Operation Best Practices for Supervisory Personnel and Operators [English PDF* - 150 KB, Spanish PDF* - 124 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with the operation of dozer equipment such as pre-and post-operation procedures and safe operation considerations. (2008, February; Spanish Translation 2009, March)
  • Excavation and Trenching Best Practices for Operators [English PDF* - 146 KB, Spanish PDF* - 121 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with excavation and trenching activities such as worksite preparation, personal protective equipment, and collapse prevention. (2008, February; Spanish Translation 2009, March)
  • Excavation and Trenching Best Practices for Supervisory Personnel [English PDF* - 142 KB, Spanish PDF* - 117 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with supervision of workers who are engaged in excavation and trenching activities such as worksite preparation, personal protective equipment, and collapse prevention. (2008, February; Spanish Translation 2009, March)
  • Excavator Operation Best Practices for Supervisory Personnel, Operators, and Workers [English PDF* - 157 KB, Spanish PDF* - 157 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with the operation of excavation equipment such as pre-and post-operation procedures, safe operation considerations, and supervisory recommendations. (2008, February; Spanish Translation 2009, March)
  • Horizontal Directional Drilling Best Practices for Operators [English PDF* - 145 KB, Spanish PDF* -120 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA a fact sheet addressing issues associated with the operation of horizontal directional drilling equipment such as pre-and post-operation procedures and safe operation considerations. (2008, February; Spanish Translation 2009, March)
  • Horizontal Directional Drilling Best Practices for Supervisory Personnel [English PDF* - 143 KB, Spanish PDF* - 104 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA a fact sheet addressing issues associated with supervision of workers who are engaged in the operation of horizontal directional drilling equipment such as pre-and post-operation procedures and safe operation considerations. (2008, February; Spanish Translation 2009, March)
  • Pressure Testing Best Practices for Personnel Conducting the Test [English PDF* - 140 KB, Spanish PDF* -116 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with pressure testing activities such as pre-test preparation, connection hazards, and worker protection. (2008, February; Spanish Translation 2009, March)
  • Pressure Testing Best Practices for Supervisory Personnel [English PDF* - 139 KB, Spanish PDF* - 115 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with the supervision of workers who are engaged in pressure testing activities such as pre-test planning, leak testing, and test medium disposal. (2008, February; Spanish Translation 2009, March)
  • Sideboom Operation Best Practices for Supervisory Personnel, Operators, and Workers [English PDF* - 156 KB, Spanish PDF* - 154 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with the operation of sideboom equipment such as understanding sideboom operational/equipment requirements and safe operation considerations. (2008, February; Spanish Translation 2009, March)

Toolbox Talks

  • Working Around Heavy Equipment [PDF* - 103 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a toolbox talk addressing issues associated with working in the “Danger Zone” around heavy equipment such as blind spots, rotating machinery, overhead hazards, and swing radius. (2010, December)
  • Working in Close Proximity to Overhead Power Lines [PDF* - 108 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a toolbox talk to emphasize steps to prevent workers from contacting and safety procedures workers can take if contact is made with an overhead power line. (2010, December)
  • Tool Box Safety Topic: The Spotter [PDF* - 3 MB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a toolbox talk addressing issues associated with the use of spotters such as when to use a spotter, equipment operator and spotter responsibilities, and hand signals. (2010, July)
  • Tool Box Safety Topic: Bloodborne Pathogens [English PDF* - 225 KB, Spanish PDF* - 132 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a toolbox talk addressing issues associated with bloodborne pathogens such as personal protective equipment, cleaning and sanitizing the workplace, and waste handling. (2009, December; Spanish Translation 2010, December)
  • Tool Box Safety Topic: Confined Spaces [English PDF* - 3 MB, Spanish PDF* - 262 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a toolbox talk addressing issues associated with confined spaces such atmospheric hazards and permit required spaces. (2009, December; Spanish Translation 2010, December)
  • Tool Box Safety Topic: Electrical Safety [PDF* - 415 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a toolbox talk addressing issues associated with electrical safety such as the most frequent causes of electrical injuries and ground fault protection. (2009, December)
  • Tool Box Safety Topic: Abrasive (Sand) Blasting [PDF* - 166 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a toolbox talk addressing issues associated with abrasive blasting activities such as respirators, air supply, and compressors. (2009, October)
  • Tool Box Safety Topic: Excavation and Trenching [PDF* - 165 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a toolbox talk addressing issues associated with excavation and trenching activities such as cave in hazards, competent person, and occupied excavation. (2009, October)
  • Tool Box Safety Topic: Hazard Communication [PDF* - 112 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a toolbox talk addressing hazard communication issues such as hazardous materials written programs, material safety data sheets, respirators, and hazardous materials identification systems. (2009, October)
  • Tool Box Safety Topic: Personal Protective Equipment [English PDF* - 176 KB, Spanish PDF* - 158 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a toolbox talk addressing personal protective equipment issues such as eye protection, foot protection, and hearing protection. (2009, October; Spanish Translation 2011, February).
  • Tool Box Safety Topic: Respiratory Protection [English PDF* - 102 KB, Spanish PDF* - 161 KB]. Through the OSHA and American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) Alliance, APCA developed a toolbox talk addressing issues associated with respiratory protection such respiratory protection written programs and respirator use. (2009, October; Spanish Translation 2011, February).

Safety and Health Topics Pages

Publications and Newsletters

  • Underground Construction, March 2007. The pipeline contractor industry's publication, Underground Contractor, includes an article, "OSHA Signs New Alliance with APCA," that discusses the signing and goals of the OSHA/APCA Alliance.

Additional Resources

**Alliance Implementation Team members serve on the editorial board.

Areas of Emphasis

Accessibility Assistance: Contact the OSHA Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs at 202-693-2200 for assistance accessing PDF materials.

*These files are provided for downloading.