ITP (Inspection Test Plan)

A three-party guarantee where a bonding company backs a subcontractor's ability to complete a contract. If the subcontractor defaults, the surety covers losses to the project owner. Many oil and gas operators and general contractors require bonds before awarding field service work.

A U.S. federal agency enforcing equal employment rules for companies working on federal contracts. Subcontractors on U.S. federal projects must meet hiring and anti-discrimination requirements. Non-compliance can result in contract termination or debarment from future federal work.

A federal and provincial regulatory structure capping greenhouse gas emissions from oilsands operations. Subcontractors may face new equipment standards, fuel restrictions, or reporting requirements on-site. Clients may pass compliance costs or operational constraints down through contracts.

The process of controlling airborne particulates on worksites using water trucks, chemical agents, or barriers. Subcontractors may be contractually responsible for dust suppression on access roads, laydown yards, or excavation sites. Failure to comply can result in stop-work orders or back-charges from the prime contractor.

A mandatory stop in work where a client or inspector must review and sign off before the subcontractor can proceed. Missing a hold point can void certifications or trigger costly rework. Always confirm hold points during project kickoff to avoid schedule delays.

API 653 (American Petroleum Institute Standard 653) governs the inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of above-ground storage tanks. Subcontractors performing tank work must comply with this standard or risk failed inspections and contract penalties. Many operators require certified API 653 inspectors on-site before authorising any tank maintenance scope.

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.