ESA (Endangered Species Act)

The process of shutting down and locking out all energy sources — electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic — before maintenance or service work begins. Subcontractors are typically required to follow the site owner's specific isolation procedures and permit system. Non-compliance can result in immediate removal from site and liability exposure.

A database where excavation-related damages to underground utilities are logged and analyzed. Subcontractors doing ground disturbance work may need to report incidents through this system. Insurance carriers and clients often review DIRT data when evaluating a contractor's safety record.

Work-related injuries or illnesses that must be logged on an OSHA 300 form. For subcontractors, these incidents can affect prequalification scores and client contract eligibility. High recordable rates often disqualify field crews from worksites entirely.

A group of synthetic chemicals found in firefighting foams, protective gear, and some industrial fluids used on job sites. Subcontractors may face handling restrictions, disposal requirements, and liability exposure under evolving federal and provincial regulations. Always check site-specific PFAS protocols before mobilising, as non-compliance can result in fines or contract termination.

A safety classification used by operators to track incidents resulting in death or life-altering harm. Subcontractors are often scored on SIF exposure and near-miss rates during prequalification. A high SIF risk profile can disqualify your company from site access or contract awards.

The process of locating and marking buried utilities before any ground-breaking work begins. Subcontractors are legally required to call before you dig under provincial one-call regulations. Failure to comply can result in fines, project shutdowns, and liability for repair costs.

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.

OSHA 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.

How 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.