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ComplianceGlossary Term

Personal Fall Arrest System

A PFAS (Personal Fall Arrest System) is safety equipment that stops a worker from hitting the ground during a fall. It typically includes a full-body harness, lanyard, and anchor point. Subcontractors must ensure PFAS equipment is inspected, certified, and meets provincial and federal regulations before workers go at height.

Related Terms

Heat Index

Compliance

A measure combining air temperature and humidity to reflect how hot conditions actually feel to workers. Subcontractors use it to assess heat stress risk and trigger mandatory rest breaks or work stoppages. Most site safety plans reference heat index thresholds to stay compliant with occupational health regulations.

Third-Party Locator

Compliance

An independent company hired to identify and mark underground utilities before excavation or drilling begins. Subcontractors often rely on third-party locators when the site owner's in-house locate services are unavailable. Their clearance report is typically required before ground disturbance can proceed.

Environmental Permitting

Compliance

The process of obtaining government approvals before starting work that may impact land, water, or air. Subcontractors must confirm permits are in place before mobilising — delays can halt work without pay. Missing or expired permits can expose your company to fines and contract termination.

Compliance Theater

Compliance

When a prime contractor or owner requires paperwork and box-checking that looks rigorous but adds no real safety value. Subcontractors absorb the administrative burden without reducing on-site risk. Recognising it helps crews push back on inefficiencies that drain time and resources.

S&S (Significant and Substantial)

Compliance

A regulatory classification used by MSHA to flag violations that could reasonably cause serious injury or illness. S&S citations carry higher fines and greater scrutiny for subcontractors working on mine sites. Accumulating S&S violations can jeopardise a subcontractor's site access and future contract eligibility.

Permit Filings

Compliance

Official documentation submitted to regulatory bodies before starting work on a site. Subcontractors may be responsible for obtaining specific trade or activity permits. Delays in filings can halt work and affect project timelines and invoicing.

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