HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study)

A client- or prime contractor-maintained registry of pre-qualified suppliers and subcontractors eligible to bid on work. Getting onto an AVL often requires submitting safety records, insurance, and certifications in advance. Without AVL status, subcontractors are typically blocked from receiving purchase orders or contracts.

An independent inspector or agent hired by an operator or owner to verify that field work meets contract specifications. They are not your direct client but hold authority to approve, reject, or halt work on site. As a subcontractor, their sign-off is often required before progress billing is accepted.

A court-approved settlement where both parties agree to terms without a full trial. For subcontractors, this often resolves payment disputes or liability claims with a binding repayment schedule. Violating the terms can result in immediate enforcement action against your company.

An accidental hit on a buried utility line — gas, electrical, or telecom — during excavation or drilling. Subcontractors face immediate work stoppages, liability exposure, and potential regulatory penalties. Always confirm locate tickets are current before ground disturbance.

The process by which operators and prime contractors vet subcontractors before awarding work. It typically involves reviewing insurance, safety records, certifications, and financial stability. Failing to qualify can bar a company from bidding on projects entirely.

The process of obtaining government approvals before starting work that may impact land, water, or air. Subcontractors must confirm permits are in place before mobilising — delays can halt work without pay. Missing or expired permits can expose your company to fines and contract termination.

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.