A standard governing process safety incident investigation in upstream oil and gas operations. Subcontractors may be required to follow its protocols when involved in a reportable incident on site. Familiarity with it helps field crews meet operator expectations during investigations.
Api Rp 585 (american Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 585)
Related Terms
Hazardous Energy Isolation
ComplianceThe process of controlling dangerous energy sources—electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical—before maintenance or repair work begins. Subcontractors must follow the site owner's lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures or risk losing site access. Non-compliance can void your contract and trigger serious liability.
Vehicle Incursion
ComplianceAn unauthorised entry of a vehicle into a restricted or controlled work zone on a job site. Subcontractors are often held liable if their equipment or drivers breach designated exclusion areas. Incursions can trigger incident reports, work stoppages, and contract penalties.
CCO (Certified Crane Operator)
ComplianceA crane operator who holds recognised certification confirming competency to safely operate lifting equipment on job sites. Most oil & gas and construction contracts require subcontractors to supply CCO-certified operators. Verify certification currency before mobilisation, as expired credentials can halt work and trigger compliance penalties.
Heat Illness Prevention Program
ComplianceA documented safety plan requiring subcontractors to manage worker exposure to extreme heat on jobsites. It typically covers hydration protocols, work-rest cycles, and heat acclimatisation schedules. Clients and prime contractors often require proof of a compliant program before mobilisation.
Certified Payroll
ComplianceA government-required weekly payroll report proving workers were paid prevailing wages on publicly funded projects. Subcontractors must submit it to the prime contractor or project owner. Errors or late submissions can delay payment or trigger contract penalties.
Energy Control Procedure
ComplianceA documented, step-by-step plan for isolating hazardous energy before subcontractors perform maintenance or service work. It outlines lockout/tagout steps specific to each piece of equipment on site. Subcontractors are typically required to follow or develop their own procedure that meets the site owner's standards.
Latest Compliance News
McElhattan Foundation Offering $1 Million Prizes to Eliminate Workplace Electrocutions
The McElhattan Foundation has extended deadlines for its Zero Electrocution Challenge, offering two $1 million grants for innovations that eliminate on-the-job electrical hazards. Registration closes Sept. 1, 2026.
11 hours ago ComplianceOSHA Sets August Hearings on 20+ Proposed Rule Rollbacks, Including Chemical and Fall Protection Standards
OSHA has scheduled virtual public hearings beginning August 19 on more than 20 proposed deregulatory rules, covering chemical exposure standards, respiratory protection, and fixed ladder safety systems. Subcontractors have until July 6 to register to testify.
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The National Utility Contractors Association is hosting the Trench Safety Stand Down June 15-19, open to all employers doing trench and excavation work. Utility and pipeline subcontractors can register crews online now.
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The U.S. Chemical Safety Board is urging chemical facilities to complete hurricane preparations before a single storm can trigger a catastrophic release. Gulf Coast maintenance and turnaround subcontractors should expect heightened client scrutiny this season.
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Learn which MSA clauses actually matter for oilfield subcontractors: indemnity, insurance, payment terms, and change orders. Know what you're signing.
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