It's clear: safety-sensitive worksites such as those in the oil and gas industry demand careful hiring. 

Heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and strict safety regulations mean the hiring process must screen for risk without slowing projects. Background checks are one of the ways oil and gas companies maintain safety, pass client audits, and stay compliant with federal and industry regulations.

The goal is simple. Get qualified people cleared fast while meeting every compliance requirement,” says Constance Brackett, Chief of Staff at KRESS Employment Screening. “You shouldn't need to choose between speed and accuracy.”

This guide will walk you through:

• What oil & gas background checks include
• How to choose the right package for each role
• Why compliance today means balancing safety with fair hiring practices
• Practical tips for faster, more accurate screening

What HR Needs to Know Right Now

The oil and gas industry remains a major U.S. employer with complex industry regulations and significant safety obligations.

Current snapshot:

• 2.05 million direct jobs in 2024, plus 3.9 million supported across the supply chain.
• 208,200 upstream jobs in Texas as of May 2025, up 5,000 year-over-year.
• 2023 TRIR for oil and gas extraction (most recent available data): 0.9 per 100 full-time workers, up slightly from 0.8 in 2022. Offshore TRIR fell sharply in 2023 after a spike in 2022, with no reported offshore fatalities.

Compliance updates:

• OSHA PSM directive (Jan 2024) expanded the inspection scope for sites with hazardous chemicals.
• CFATS enforces criminal record checks and ID verification for high-risk chemical facilities.
• PHMSA drug and alcohol testing programs now require 50% random testing for covered pipeline workers (effective Jan 2025). Read more in our Guide to Oil & Gas Drug Testing.

What’s Included in an Oil & Gas Background Check?

In the oil and gas sector, background checks aren’t just a formality; they're a safety tool. To run heavy equipment, work around hazardous materials, or manage a critical process, you’ve got to be sure personnel are qualified and trustworthy before they set foot on site.

That means looking at more than just a criminal record:

• You’re checking driving history if they’ll be behind the wheel.
• You’re calling past employers to confirm they’ve done the job before (and done it right).
• You’re verifying that every safety certification and specialized training course is current.
• And, you’re keeping an eye out for anything in their history that could put people or projects at risk.

Smart HR leaders don’t stop after the hire. Continuous monitoring lets you know if something changes in an employee’s record that could affect their site eligibility. It’s how you maintain a compliant work environment, avoid safety violations, and prevent problems before they happen.

Need help with your background checks? KRESS designs background screening programs around the standards this industry actually uses, NABSC, NASAP, ExxonMobil, so when we say someone’s site-ready, you can put them to work with confidence.

Safety and Compliance in Oil and Gas Hiring

Hiring in the oil and gas industry carries a higher margin for error than most sectors. Crews operate heavy equipment, handle hazardous chemicals, and follow strict safety rules every day. If the wrong person is cleared during the screening process, the results can be disastrous.

At the same time, fair chance hiring laws are expanding, and compliance risks are high. Employers can’t afford blanket bans on criminal records or fully automated rejection systems.

Want to dive deeper? Read our blog on Audit-Proof Hiring in Oil & Gas for practical steps on how to build compliance into your hiring process.

Drug and Alcohol Testing in Oil and Gas

PHMSA drug and alcohol testing programs now require 50% random testing for covered pipeline workers (effective Jan 2025). For a deeper look at how drug testing protects workplace safety and what the new PHMSA rule means for your drug and alcohol testing programs, read our blog: Oil and Gas Drug Testing: HR’s 2025 Compliance Guide.

Advanced Screening Technologies

You’ve got deadlines, compliance standards, and clients expecting crews to be on site without delay. Modern screening technology can cut turnaround times, reduce the risk of errors, and give you real-time visibility into the process.

For a full breakdown of tools like Global ID, ResumeMatch, and KRESS SHIELD, check out our blog on The Future of Oil & Gas Background Screening.

Get Site-Ready With Confidence

KRESS offers background check services and screening programs that meet oil and gas industry standards and keep your sites safe.

Contact us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the oil and gas background check process usually take?
Most are completed within 24–48 hours, though complex checks like international employment verification can take longer.

What records are included in an oil and gas background check?
Typical checks include driving records, employment history, safety certifications, criminal records, and sometimes drug and alcohol testing, depending on the role.

Do background screening services differ across oil and gas companies?
Yes. Some companies require expanded checks for hazardous roles, offshore positions, or client-specific standards like ExxonMobil compliance.

What happens if an applicant fails a background check?
Employers must follow FCRA guidelines, including providing a pre-adverse action notice and giving candidates a chance to dispute or clarify results.

Can existing employees undergo background checks?
Yes. Continuous monitoring allows employers to track changes in employee records and certifications over time to ensure ongoing compliance.