An accidental strike on a buried utility, pipeline, or cable during excavation work. For subcontractors, a dig-in can trigger work stoppages, liability claims, and regulatory investigations. Always confirm locate tickets are current before any ground disturbance.
Dig-In
Related Terms
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.
Community Benefits Agreement
ComplianceA contract between a project owner and local stakeholders requiring hiring targets for local labour and subcontractors. Field service companies bidding on major projects may need to demonstrate local content compliance to qualify. Non-compliance can result in contract penalties or disqualification.
Evacuation Readiness
ComplianceA subcontractor's documented ability to safely remove all personnel from a worksite during an emergency. It includes maintained muster lists, assigned roles, and verified escape routes. Primes often audit subcontractor evacuation plans before mobilisation.
NOPR (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking)
ComplianceA formal government notice announcing a regulation under development that may affect your operations, safety requirements, or labour standards. Subcontractors should monitor NOPRs to anticipate compliance costs before rules become law. Responding during the public comment period can help protect your interests.
Protective Trench System
ComplianceA shored or sloped excavation method used to protect workers from cave-ins during underground pipeline or utility work. Subcontractors are typically required to design and document the system before crews enter any trench deeper than 1.2 metres. Compliance with provincial safety codes is mandatory and directly affects site access approvals.
Traffic Control
ComplianceThe management of vehicle and pedestrian movement through active work zones on job sites or public roads. Subcontractors often must supply certified flaggers and signage as a condition of their scope. Failing to meet traffic control requirements can result in stop-work orders or lost contracts.
Latest Compliance News
CGA's 2025 DIRT Data Shows Record-High Utility Dig-In Damages
Common Ground Alliance's 2025 DIRT data shows buried utility damages hit a record high, with failure to call 811 remaining the top root cause.
3 months agoIndustry500+ Daily Dig-Ins Highlight Why April's Safe Digging Month Matters for Excavation Crews
With more than 500 underground utility strikes happening every day across the US, April's National Safe Digging Month is a timely reminder for excavation subcontractors to tighten their pre-dig protocols.
6 months agoComplianceRed Seal $5,000 Completion Bonus Portal Opens Nov. 16
Canadian journeypersons certified in a Red Seal trade on or after April 1, 2025 can apply for a $5,000 federal bonus starting Nov. 16, 2026. Here is what employers should prepare now.
2 days agoComplianceTraffic Exposure Was the Top Hazard on Caltrans LA Tunnel Relighting
On Aldridge Electric's I-405/I-105 tunnel relighting in Los Angeles, traffic breaches drove the safety plan. Here is what electrical and traffic control subs can take from it before bidding live-traffic work.
4 days agoRelated Guides
When a Jobsite Incident Happens: What Field Workers Need to Know Before Signing Anything
What to do after a jobsite injury or incident, what your rights are before signing incident reports, how workers' compensation works, and how to protect yourself on multi-employer worksites.
Compliance GuideOSHA Citations on Multi-Employer Worksites: What Subcontractors Need to Know
Learn how OSHA's multi-employer citation policy works, why subcontractors get cited for hazards they didn't create, and how to protect your company on operator-controlled job sites.
Compliance GuideHow to Read and Negotiate an Oilfield Master Service Agreement (MSA): A Subcontractor's Guide
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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