Hazard Orientation

A trench safety method where excavation walls are cut at a gradual angle to prevent collapse. Subcontractors must apply correct slope ratios based on soil type and provincial regulations. Non-compliance can halt work and trigger serious liability.

A certification recognising businesses owned by minorities, women, or economically disadvantaged individuals. Prime contractors on federally funded projects often must subcontract a percentage of work to certified DBEs. Holding DBE status can open doors to set-aside contracts and preferred bidder programmes.

A government-issued dig permit confirming underground utilities have been located and marked before excavation begins. Subcontractors must obtain one before any ground-disturbance work. Operating without one exposes your crew to liability, fines, and project shutdowns.

Alberta's provincial body that regulates oil, gas, and coal development. Subcontractors must meet AER compliance requirements to work on regulated sites. Non-compliance can result in work stoppages or contract disqualification.

Any motorised vehicle used to move materials on a worksite, including forklifts, telehandlers, and order pickers. Subcontractors must ensure operators hold valid PIT certifications before deployment. Site clients often audit compliance records, so keep training documentation current and accessible.

A mandatory work pause requiring crews to verify no buried utilities or underground hazards exist before digging or drilling begins. Subcontractors are typically contractually responsible for completing all locates and documented checks before breaking ground. Failure to comply can void insurance coverage and expose your company to full liability for strikes.

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.