The oilfield never sleeps, and safety can’t take a day off—especially at the start of a new year. Whether you manage a crew, oversee compliance, or just want to stay ready for what 2026 brings, this oilfield safety checklist will set you up for a safer, more successful year.

At Basin Safety, we’re proud to support North Dakota’s oil and gas workforce with hands-on training, practical compliance tools, and a deep commitment to sending every worker home safe. Use this guide to align your 2026 safety goals and start strong.

Why a New Year Safety Checklist Matters

The start of the year is the perfect time to reset expectations, retrain your team, and make sure you're meeting (or exceeding) all current safety standards. Not only does this keep your workforce safe, but it also protects your company from costly fines, injuries, or downtime.

Here’s what should be on your oilfield safety radar in January 2026:

1. Review and Replace Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Your first stop on the 2026 checklist should be evaluating your PPE inventory. Cold weather, long shifts, and harsh conditions in the Bakken can wear down even the best gear.

PPE checklist:

• Hard hats (check for cracks or UV damage)

• Flame-resistant clothing (inspect for wear or tears)

• Safety glasses/goggles

• Respirators and masks (check filters and fit)

• Hearing protection

• Gloves (varied types for hot, cold, or chemical exposure)

• Cold-weather gear (insulated, waterproof, ANSI-rated)

At Basin Safety, we incorporate proper PPE use and inspection into every course—from H2S Clear to Fire Safety. Training your team to recognize compromised gear can prevent major incidents down the line.

2. Update Safety Training Records

When was the last time your team completed core safety trainings? Certifications expire, job scopes change, and new hires may have gaps.

Essential 2026 training to schedule:

• H2S Clear

• PEC Safeland

• Fire Extinguisher Training

• CPR/First Aid

• DOT Compliance/Driver Safety

• Site-specific trainings (confined space, fall protection, etc.)

Our Williston location offers weekly sessions and group bookings. Keeping these trainings current ensures compliance and readiness when audits or emergencies arise.

3. Perform a Compliance Documentation Audit

Every operator, supervisor, or safety coordinator should start the year with a full documentation audit. This helps you identify outdated records, missing forms, and regulatory gaps before they turn into liabilities.

Key documents to review:

• Job safety analysis (JSA) templates

• Training certifications and sign-in sheets

• Incident logs and near-miss reports

• Emergency response plans

• Driver qualification files (for DOT compliance)

• Maintenance and inspection logs

Need help? Basin Safety offers compliance consulting and documentation management tailored to North Dakota’s oilfield operations.

4. Reinforce Emergency Preparedness

In the oilfield, emergencies don’t give you time to plan. You have to be ready.

New year emergency readiness goals:

• Revisit evacuation maps and meeting points

• Check all fire extinguishers (charged, accessible, labeled)

• Restock first aid kits

• Conduct an emergency response drill

• Review spill response and H2S escape protocols

We offer Fire Extinguisher Safety Training and emergency scenario-based training at our new Williston location to prepare your crew for real-world responses.

5. Host a New Year Safety Kickoff Meeting

Whether you call it a town hall, toolbox talk, or tailgate meeting, start the year with a unified safety message from leadership.

Topics to cover:

• Your company’s 2026 safety goals

• Expectations for PPE, behavior, and reporting

• Introduction of new hires or safety personnel

• Upcoming trainings and compliance updates

• Recognition of safe teams or employees from 2025

We recommend scheduling this meeting within the first two weeks of January. Basin Safety can provide facilitators or materials for kickoff sessions if you need support.

6. Evaluate Your Safety Leadership Structure

Are your foremen and site leads equipped to lead with safety? Leadership sets the tone for every job site.

Questions to ask:

• Are safety leaders trained beyond the basics?

• Do they model and enforce best practices?

• Are they documenting properly?

• Do crews feel safe reporting concerns?

In 2026, safety is more than checklists—it’s about culture. Basin Safety offers Leadership Safety Training to build confidence and consistency in your front-line supervisors.

7. Prepare for Inevitable Inspections

DOT, OSHA, and client audits can happen at any time—and when they do, there’s no “cramming.” Being prepared all year long starts with structure, not just checkboxes.

Inspection readiness checklist:

• All required training and documentation on file

• Visible, current safety signage

• Well-maintained PPE and first aid stations

• Clear hazard communication system

• Completed pre-shift inspections and safety meetings

Need help getting there? We offer mock audits and safety coaching tailored to your company’s needs.

8. Reaffirm Your Commitment to “Zero Incidents”

Finally, the most important thing you can do to start the year safe is make safety personal. Remind your team why it matters. Share real stories. Highlight wins. Focus on prevention, not just reaction.

At Basin Safety, we believe that every incident is preventable—and that starts with clear expectations, engaged leadership, and trained workers.

How Basin Safety Can Help You Stay Ready in 2026

Basin Safety is more than a training provider—we’re a safety partner. Based in Williston, ND, we serve companies across the Bakken with:

• Expert trainers with oilfield experience

• Weekly certification courses

• On-site and group training

• Compliance consulting and documentation support

• Emergency preparedness and fire safety courses

• Leadership coaching and safety culture development

Let’s Make 2026 Your Safest Year Yet

If you’re looking to start the year safe and stay that way, now is the time to take action. From individual workers to company-wide rollouts, we’re ready to support you with proven safety solutions.

📍 Visit us at our new location:
202 48th Ave SW, Williston, ND 58801

📞 Click here to schedule training or request a consultation.