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Workforce Glossary Term

Load Forecast

A projection of anticipated workload volume over a set period, used to plan crew levels and equipment needs. Subcontractors rely on load forecasts to avoid understaffing during peak demand or carrying idle workers in slow periods.

Related Terms

Co-Employment

Workforce

A legal situation where both a subcontractor and a client company share employer responsibilities over a worker. This creates liability risks around benefits, termination, and labour standards if boundaries aren't clearly defined. Subcontractors should maintain clear contracts and independent operating practices to avoid unintended co-employment claims.

Journeyman

Workforce

A tradesperson who has completed an apprenticeship and holds a recognised certification in their trade. Subcontractors often bill journeymen at a higher labour rate than apprentices. Many project specs or collective agreements require a minimum ratio of journeymen on site.

Utilization Rate

Workforce

The percentage of available working hours that crews or equipment are actively billable to a client. A low utilisation rate signals idle resources draining overhead costs. Subcontractors track this metric closely to assess profitability across projects.

SJT (Situational Judgment Test)

Workforce

A pre-hire assessment used to evaluate how candidates respond to realistic workplace scenarios. Operators and prime contractors use SJTs to screen field workers for safety judgement and decision-making. Subcontractors may encounter these tests when onboarding crews for client-managed worksites.

Geofencing

Workforce

A virtual boundary set around a job site that triggers automatic alerts when workers or equipment enter or leave. Subcontractors use it to verify on-site attendance, automate timekeeping, and support accurate billing. It also helps clients confirm crew deployment without manual check-ins.

Vertical Joint Employment

Workforce

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.

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