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ComplianceGlossary Term

Excavation Protective Systems

Engineered safeguards—such as shoring, shielding, or sloping—used to prevent trench or excavation collapse on job sites. Subcontractors are typically responsible for selecting and installing the correct system based on soil conditions and depth. Non-compliance can result in stop-work orders, fines, or liability for injuries.

Related Terms

FHWA (Federal Highway Administration)

Compliance

A U.S. federal agency that sets regulations for highway construction, maintenance, and safety standards. Subcontractors working on federally funded road projects must meet FHWA compliance requirements. This includes equipment standards, worker safety rules, and reporting obligations.

Carbon Pricing

Compliance

A government-imposed cost on greenhouse gas emissions, typically applied per tonne of CO2 equivalent. Subcontractors may face carbon charges on fuel, equipment operation, and fleet usage. These costs can affect project bids and operating margins if not factored into quotes.

FTA (Federal Transit Administration)

Compliance

A U.S. federal agency that funds and regulates public transit infrastructure projects. Subcontractors working on federally funded transit construction must meet strict FTA compliance requirements. These include labour standards, safety protocols, and Buy America provisions for materials.

Data Ownership

Compliance

Data ownership defines who legally controls field data collected during a job — such as inspection reports, equipment readings, or site photos. Contracts often assign ownership to the client, limiting a subcontractor's right to reuse or retain that data. Review ownership clauses carefully before signing to protect your company's records and liability position.

Joint Employer

Compliance

A legal finding that two companies share employer responsibilities over the same workers. In field service, this can mean a client company is liable for your crew's wages, hours, or working conditions. Subcontractors should review contracts carefully to avoid unintended joint employer exposure.

Caught-In Hazard

Compliance

A workplace danger where a worker's body or clothing becomes trapped, pinched, or pulled into moving machinery, equipment, or materials — common on oilfield and construction sites where subcontractor crews work near rotating equipment, conveyor systems, or heavy moving loads. Subcontractors are responsible for identifying and controlling these hazards through proper guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and site-specific hazard assessments before work begins.

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