Field-to-Office Ratio

The percentage of available hours that crews or equipment are actively billable to a client. A low utilisation rate signals idle resources eating into margins. Subcontractors track this metric to assess workforce efficiency and bid competitiveness.

A lump-sum payment offered to keep skilled field workers or subcontractors committed through a project's duration. It is typically paid at a set milestone or project completion. Primes use it to reduce crew turnover during long campaigns or tight labour markets.

Strategically deploying extra crews or equipment during high-demand periods to prevent project bottlenecks. Subcontractors are often called in specifically for peak shaving when primary workforces are stretched. It creates short-term contract opportunities but requires rapid mobilisation.

A legal finding where both a subcontractor and a client company are considered employers of the same field workers. This exposes subcontractors to shared liability for wages, overtime, and labour standards violations. Regulators in oil and gas and construction actively scrutinise these arrangements.

A U.S. federal agency that tracks wage rates, employment trends, and labour costs by trade and region. Subcontractors use BLS data to benchmark crew rates and support bid pricing. It also publishes injury and fatality statistics relevant to oil and gas and construction fields.

Temporary housing arranged for field crews working at remote or industrial sites, such as labour camps or modular lodges. For subcontractors, accommodation costs may be billed separately or bundled into contract rates. Confirming who is responsible for these costs before mobilisation prevents disputes.

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