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ComplianceGlossary Term

Customs Broker

A licensed intermediary who handles import and export paperwork for equipment and materials crossing international borders. Subcontractors moving tools or machinery into Canada or the U.S. often hire one to avoid costly delays. They ensure duties, tariffs, and compliance documents are filed correctly.

Related Terms

Osha (occupational Safety and Health Administration) Recordable

Compliance

A work-related injury or illness that must be logged on an OSHA 300 form. This includes incidents requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, restricted work, or lost time. High recordable rates can disqualify subcontractors from bidding on major operator contracts.

Trench Cave-in Protection

Compliance

Mandatory safety systems used to prevent trench walls from collapsing on workers during excavation. Common methods include shoring, sloping, and trench boxes. Subcontractors are legally responsible for implementing compliant cave-in protection before workers enter any trench deeper than 1.2 metres.

NSSGA (National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association)

Compliance

A U.S. trade association representing aggregate producers and suppliers. Subcontractors working aggregate sites must often meet NSSGA safety and operational standards. Their guidelines influence site rules, equipment specs, and contractor qualification requirements.

Nuclear Verdict

Compliance

A jury award so large it far exceeds actual damages, often driven by juror emotion rather than evidence. For subcontractors, even one such ruling can bankrupt a company or trigger uninsurable liability exposure. These verdicts are increasingly common in oilfield and construction injury cases.

Fall Protection

Compliance

Safety systems and equipment that prevent workers from falling at heights above 3 metres. Subcontractors are responsible for supplying compliant gear and training before mobilising crews to site. Non-compliance can result in stop-work orders and contract liability.

Federal Acreage

Compliance

Land or mineral rights owned and managed by the federal government where drilling or construction activity requires federal permits and approvals. Subcontractors working on federal acreage must meet stricter regulatory requirements than on provincial or private land. Expect longer permitting timelines and additional compliance obligations that can affect project schedules and mobilisation.

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