Joint Employer

The process of ensuring your company does not do business with individuals, entities, or countries under government-imposed trade restrictions. Subcontractors must screen clients, vendors, and partners against sanctions lists before signing contracts. Non-compliance can result in heavy fines, contract termination, or criminal liability.

The U.S. federal agency that regulates the entry of workers, equipment, and materials across the Canadian-American border, which subcontractors must navigate when mobilising crews or hauling specialised equipment into U.S. job sites. Non-compliance with CBP requirements can result in delays at the border, seized equipment, or crews being turned away, making proper documentation and advance planning critical for cross-border field work.

A rescue method for retrieving an incapacitated worker from a confined space without a rescuer entering it. Subcontractors must have approved non-entry rescue equipment and trained personnel on-site before any confined space work begins. Regulators in Canada require this as the primary rescue method wherever feasible.

The maximum value of surety bonds a subcontractor can obtain, proving financial reliability to general contractors and project owners. Higher bonding capacity allows you to bid on larger or multiple simultaneous contracts. Insurers set this limit based on your financials, credit history, and past project performance.

A water pipe made from lead that connects a municipal main to a building. Subcontractors must identify and report LSLs during excavation, pipe work, or utility upgrades. Strict handling and disposal regulations apply under federal and provincial environmental codes.

Electrical switchgear and distribution equipment operating between 1 kV and 35 kV, commonly found on industrial sites and large construction projects. Subcontractors working near or on this equipment typically require specialised high-voltage certifications and site-specific safety training. Improper handling can trigger serious liability and compliance issues for your crew.

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.