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
Workers' Compensation Premium
ComplianceThe periodic fee subcontractors pay to provincial workers' compensation boards to fund injury coverage for their workers. Premium rates vary by industry classification and your company's claims history. High premiums directly impact your labour costs and project bid pricing.
Protective System
ComplianceA method used to protect workers from cave-ins during excavation work, including sloping, shoring, or trench boxes. Subcontractors are legally required to implement an adequate protective system before workers enter any trench deeper than 1.2 metres. Failure to comply can result in stop-work orders, fines, or loss of contract.
Silica Disease
ComplianceAn occupational lung illness caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust during drilling, sandblasting, or concrete work. Subcontractors must implement exposure controls and monitoring to meet regulatory requirements. Failure to protect workers can result in serious liability and lost contracts.
Federal-Aid Highway Programs
ComplianceU.S. government funding programmes that finance highway construction and repair projects. Subcontractors working on federally funded road work must meet strict compliance requirements, including prevailing wage and DBE rules. Understanding these programmes helps firms qualify for and bid on publicly funded infrastructure contracts.
Nfpa 70b (national Fire Protection Association Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance)
ComplianceA U.S. standard outlining inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for electrical systems and equipment. Field service contractors performing electrical maintenance work may be required to follow NFPA 70B procedures on job sites. Compliance demonstrates due diligence and is often specified in client scopes of work.
Osha (occupational Safety and Health Administration) Variance
ComplianceA formal permit allowing a subcontractor to use an alternative method that differs from a standard OSHA regulation. It is granted when the alternative provides equal or greater worker protection. Subcontractors must apply directly and remain compliant with all variance conditions during field operations.
Latest Compliance News
500+ 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.
2 months ago ComplianceMcElhattan 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.
20 hours ago ComplianceTexas RRC Hits Oil and Gas Operators With $1.1 Million in Enforcement Penalties
The Railroad Commission of Texas approved more than $1.1 million in fines at its latest open meeting, targeting operators across drilling, production, and pipeline operations. Field service companies working in Texas should take note.
20 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.
2 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.
Stay sharp on field operations
Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to FieldNews