OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control)

The controlled release of gases from pipelines, vessels, or equipment during maintenance, commissioning, or decommissioning work. Subcontractors must follow site-specific venting procedures to remain compliant with environmental and safety regulations. Improper venting can result in work stoppages, fines, or removal from site.

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.

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.

Formal renewal of a previously approved work permit, purchase order, or scope of work that has expired or exceeded its original limits. Subcontractors must secure reauthorization before continuing work to avoid unpaid labour exposure. Delays in reauthorization can stall field crews and disrupt project schedules.

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.

Any task performed at an elevation where a fall could cause injury, typically above 3 metres. Subcontractors must hold valid Working at Heights certification and comply with provincial OH&S regulations. Clients often require proof of training before allowing workers on site.

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.