Worker safety for private companies in need of OSHA training in Williston and the rest of the state of North Dakota is regulated by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). North Dakota does not operate an approved state OSHA program for public employees at the state or political sub-division (e.g.: municipal, county. public schools) level.

OSHA HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRING TRAINING

Regulated employers located in the state of North Dakota are governed by the Federal OSHA health and safety standards found in the 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These include, but are not limited to, the OSHA workplace poster requirements in Part 1903, OSHA injury and illness record-keeping requirements in Part 1904, general industry standards in Part 1910, maritime standards in Parts 1915, 1917 and 1918, construction standards in Part 1926, and agricultural standards in Part 1928.

Links to see federal OSHA training requirements for construction and general industry are available below on this page.

Special Safety Training Considerations for Williston, ND

As a major hub in the Bakken oil fields, Williston’s workforce includes thousands of oil and gas employees exposed to hazardous conditions year-round. H2S exposure is a constant risk in oil production, making H2S awareness training essential for worker safety. Workers employed in storm and wastewater management, and various underground utility jobs are also affected by this hazard. Employees must be provided with training needed to help them understand proper H2S detection, how to protect themselves from H2S exposures, and emergency procedures to mitigate the risks associated with this toxic gas.

In addition to hazardous gas exposure, Williston’s workers must contend with extreme weather conditions. Winters bring average temperatures of 12°F, creating the need for cold stress prevention training to help workers recognize and prevent cold-related illnesses such as frostbite and hypothermia.

Summers in the region can also be intense, with high temperatures and strenuous outdoor labor leading to an increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Implementing heat illness prevention training can help employers maintain a safe and productive workforce, ensuring workers understand how to stay hydrated, take proper breaks, and recognize the early warning signs of heat stress.

And affected workers must complete Confined Space Entry Training for General Industry before entering hazardous areas such as tanks, vats, silos, sewer and storm drain systems, underground utilities, and many crawl spaces. Supervisors overseeing confined space entry and attendants monitoring entrant safety must also be trained. These environments pose serious risks, including toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, and engulfment. Additionally, construction workers and supervisors entering confined spaces must complete specialized Confined Space Training for Construction.

Jurisdiction

Federal OSHA exercises jurisdiction over most private employers in the state of North Dakota. Federal employers in ND also operate under the jurisdiction of Federal OSHA.

There is one OSHA area office for the state, located in Fargo ND, so employers and workers located in Williston should contact that area office at (701) 250-4521 for assistance:

The OSHA national emergency hotline telephone number is 1-800-321-OSHA