Texas Oilfield OSHA Compliance Resources

Compliance guidance for contractors operating in the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, and Haynesville. Common citation patterns, documentation requirements, and audit preparation resources.

Major Texas Oil & Gas Regions

BasinCheck serves contractors across all major Texas basins. Each region has unique operational challenges and compliance considerations.

Permian Basin

West Texas / Southeast New Mexico

Largest oil-producing region in the US. Remote wellsites with cellular dead zones require offline-capable safety documentation.

Eagle Ford Shale

South Texas

Active drilling and completion operations. High frequency of hot work and confined space entry permits.

Haynesville Shale

East Texas / Northwest Louisiana

Natural gas focused operations. H2S exposure monitoring and respiratory protection are key compliance areas.

Common OSHA Citations in Texas Oilfields

These are the most frequently cited OSHA standards in Texas oil and gas operations. Each represents a compliance area that requires documented safety programs and regular audits.

Fall Protection (1926.501)

29 CFR 1926.501

Unprotected sides, edges, and holes during rig work. Required when working 6+ feet above lower level.

Penalty: $16,131 per instance

H2S Exposure (1910.1000)

29 CFR 1910.1000

Hydrogen sulfide monitoring, alarm systems, and respiratory protection. Common in sour gas operations.

Penalty: $16,131 per instance

Confined Space Entry (1910.146)

29 CFR 1910.146

Tank entry, vessel inspection without proper permits and atmospheric testing. Requires written program.

Penalty: $16,131 per instance

Hot Work Permits (1910.252)

29 CFR 1910.252

Welding, cutting, and grinding without fire prevention measures. Fire watch and permit documentation required.

Penalty: $16,131 per instance

Hazard Communication (1910.1200)

29 CFR 1910.1200

Missing SDS, inadequate labeling, lack of employee training on chemical hazards.

Penalty: $16,131 per instance

Recordkeeping (1904.29)

29 CFR 1904.29

Incomplete OSHA 300 logs, failure to post 300A, missed electronic submission deadlines.

Penalty: $16,131 per instance

* Penalty amounts reflect 2024 maximum rates for serious violations. Willful or repeated violations can reach $161,323 per instance. Source: OSHA.gov

Getting Audit-Ready for Texas Operations

Whether you're preparing for an OSHA inspection or a client safety audit, these steps help ensure your documentation is complete.

1

Audit Your Current Documentation

Review existing safety programs, permits, and OSHA logs. Identify gaps in written procedures and training records.

2

Implement Digital Recordkeeping

Replace paper forms with digital audits that create automatic audit trails and timestamped documentation.

3

Train Your Crews

Ensure all personnel understand OSHA requirements and company safety procedures. Document all training.

4

Conduct Regular Inspections

Perform systematic safety audits using standardized checklists. Address issues with corrective actions.

5

Prepare for Electronic Submission

If you have 100+ employees, prepare for OSHA electronic submission requirements by March 2, 2026.

Why Texas Contractors Choose Digital Safety Systems

Paper-based systems create compliance gaps in fast-paced oilfield operations. Digital documentation provides the audit trail OSHA expects.

Offline Capability for Remote Sites

Complete audits at remote wellsites without cellular service. Data syncs automatically when you're back in range.

Timestamped Audit Trail

Every inspection, correction, and approval is logged with timestamps. Prove your compliance history to inspectors.

Instant Documentation Access

No more searching filing cabinets during inspections. Pull up any audit, permit, or training record in seconds.

Automatic OSHA Log Generation

Incidents flow into OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 logs automatically. No manual re-entry, no transcription errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. OSHA requirements may change, and specific situations may require different approaches. Always consult OSHA.gov for official guidance and current regulations, or consult with a qualified safety professional for your specific compliance needs.

Get Audit-Ready for Texas Operations

BasinCheck helps Texas oilfield contractors maintain compliant safety documentation. Digital audits, automatic OSHA logs, and offline capability for remote sites.