Crew Utilization

A pre-hire assessment used to evaluate how candidates respond to realistic workplace scenarios. Operators and prime contractors use SJTs to screen field workers for safety judgement and decision-making. Subcontractors may encounter these tests when onboarding crews for client-managed worksites.

The percentage of available hours that crews or equipment are actively billable to a client. A low utilisation rate signals idle resources eating into margins. Subcontractors track this metric to assess workforce efficiency and bid competitiveness.

The transitional period between peak and slow seasons when project volumes drop and scheduling becomes unpredictable. Subcontractors often face reduced call-outs, crew utilisation gaps, and tighter margins during these windows. Common in oilsands and construction work between summer and winter campaigns.

The percentage of available working hours that crews or equipment are actively billable to a client. A low utilisation rate signals idle resources draining overhead costs. Subcontractors track this metric closely to assess profitability across projects.

The total cost of employing a field worker beyond their base wage, expressed as a percentage. It includes CPP (Canada Pension Plan), EI (Employment Insurance), WCB (Workers' Compensation Board) premiums, and benefits. Subcontractors must factor this rate into crew pricing to avoid underbidding contracts.

A business that generates revenue but has no paid employees — typically a sole proprietor or owner-operator. Many field subcontractors and independent tradespeople operate this way. Statistics Canada tracks these firms separately in labour and industry data.

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