Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The US federal agency responsible for workplace safety regulations. Compliance with OSHA standards is required for contractors working in the United States.
OSHA
Guides on this topic
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.
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.
Related Terms
IMR (Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair)
IndustryA category of ongoing field service work covering routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs on infrastructure or equipment, often awarded to subcontractors through standing agreements or blanket contracts. For field service companies, IMR scopes provide a reliable stream of recurring work but typically require crews to mobilise quickly and hold multiple trade certifications to meet operator requirements.
Guidance Engineer
IndustryA specialist who oversees directional drilling operations, ensuring wellbores are steered accurately to target zones. Subcontractors often supply these roles to operators on a contract basis. They work closely with MWD (Measurement While Drilling) technicians on site.
Development Sanction
IndustryThe formal approval by an operator or project owner to proceed with full-scale field development. For subcontractors, it signals that major contracts, mobilisation, and field work are imminent. It marks the point where scopes of work move from planning to active procurement.
Modular Electrical Systems
IndustryPre-engineered electrical units that can be rapidly deployed, reconfigured, or relocated across job sites. Subcontractors often supply or install these systems on short-term contracts. They reduce setup time and support faster mobilisation in remote or temporary work environments.
Lower 48
IndustryRefers to the contiguous United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. For subcontractors, it defines a common work jurisdiction with distinct regulatory, tax, and labour rules from Canadian or Alaskan operations. Mobilisation costs and compliance requirements differ significantly when crews cross into or out of this region.
Refined Products Pipeline
IndustryA pipeline system that transports processed petroleum products — such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel — from refineries to distribution terminals. Subcontractors are commonly mobilised for inspection, maintenance, and integrity work on these lines. Strict product contamination and safety protocols apply, requiring up-to-date certifications.
Latest Industry News
OSHA Cites Three Subcontractors After Fatal Forklift Accident at Texas ICE Detention Site
OSHA cited three subcontractors for powered industrial truck safety violations following the July 2025 death of a construction worker at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas. Here's what field service companies need to know.
20 hours ago ComplianceOSHA Dallas Region Administrator Talks Fall Protection, Lockout/Tagout, and Enforcement Direction
OSHA's Eric Harbin, administrator of the Dallas Region, discussed fall protection failures, lockout/tagout compliance, and the agency's current enforcement posture in a new interview with Safety+Health Magazine.
7 days ago WorkforceLabor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer Resigns Mid-Probe, Leaving OSHA and Prevailing Wage Policy in Flux
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned April 20 amid an inspector general investigation, putting Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling in charge of OSHA enforcement, Davis-Bacon oversight, and apprenticeship policy.
13 days ago ComplianceCoalition of 40-Plus Groups Challenges Cal/OSHA Walkaround Rule That Could Put Third Parties on Your Jobsite
A coalition of more than 40 organizations is urging California to halt rulemaking on worker walkaround representation, arguing the proposed rule exceeds Cal/OSHA's authority and threatens employer property rights.
14 days agoRelated Guides
How Operator Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Your Subcontract Agreements
When operators merge, get acquired, or sell assets, subcontractor agreements are caught in the middle. Learn how M&A activity affects your MSA, payment terms, vendor status, and what to do before, during, and after a deal closes.
Industry GuideHow Rig Count Trends Affect Subcontractor Demand and What to Do About It
Rig counts are the earliest signal of where field service work is heading. Learn how to read drilling activity trends, anticipate demand shifts, and position your crew before the phone stops ringing.
Industry GuideWhat Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?
An AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) controls every dollar spent on an oilfield project. Learn how it affects your billing, change orders, and cash flow as a subcontractor.
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