The sudden collapse of excavation walls or trench sides onto workers below. Under provincial OHS regulations, subcontractors must implement protective systems before personnel enter any excavation deeper than 1.2 metres. Failure to comply can result in work stoppages, fines, and serious liability exposure.
Cave-In
Related Terms
Chain-Of-Custody
ComplianceA documented record tracking who handled materials, samples, or equipment at every stage of a job. Subcontractors must maintain this trail to prove proper handling and avoid liability disputes. It is commonly required for soil samples, hazardous materials, and serialised equipment.
TRC (Texas Railroad Commission)
ComplianceThe TRC regulates oil, gas, and pipeline operations in Texas. Subcontractors must meet TRC requirements for permits, well operations, and environmental compliance. Non-compliance can halt work and affect contractor eligibility on job sites.
Struck-By Hazard
ComplianceA struck-by hazard refers to any situation on a worksite where personnel risk injury from a moving object, such as swinging loads, dropped tools, vehicles, or pressurised line failures — a leading cause of fatality that subcontractors must identify and control in their site-specific hazard assessments and toolbox talks. For field service crews working around heavy equipment, cranes, or high-traffic laydown yards, recognising and mitigating struck-by risks is a core compliance obligation under provincial occupational health and safety legislation.
Asme Bpv (boiler and Pressure Vessel) Code
ComplianceA set of standards governing the design, fabrication, and inspection of pressure vessels and boilers. Subcontractors working on pressure equipment must ensure their work meets applicable ASME BPV sections or risk failing inspection. Non-compliance can result in project shutdowns, liability exposure, and lost contracts.
Underground Utility Strike
ComplianceAn accidental hit to a buried line — gas, electric, telecom, or water — during excavation or drilling. Subcontractors are typically liable for damages, work stoppages, and injuries if proper locates weren't completed. Always confirm valid BC One Call or Alberta One-Call tickets before breaking ground.
Alternative Risk Transfer
ComplianceART (Alternative Risk Transfer) covers non-traditional risk financing options outside standard insurance, such as captives or self-insurance pools. Subcontractors use ART programmes to manage liability exposure when conventional coverage is unavailable or too costly. Common in high-hazard field operations where standard insurers may decline coverage.
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