PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

A provision in occupational health and safety legislation requiring employers to protect workers from recognised hazards, even when no specific regulation exists. For subcontractors, this means you can be cited for unsafe conditions on site regardless of client-controlled environments. It applies to your workers whether you own the worksite or not.

An unplanned release of a hazardous substance — liquid, gas, or solid — from piping, vessels, or equipment. For subcontractors, an LOC incident can trigger immediate work stoppages, site investigations, and liability exposure. Proper reporting and response procedures are typically required under your prime contractor agreement.

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.

A diesel engine meeting EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Tier 2 emissions standards, regulating nitrogen oxide and particulate output. Many job sites and municipalities restrict or ban Tier 2 equipment in favour of cleaner Tier 4 units. Subcontractors should verify equipment tier requirements before mobilising to avoid costly compliance issues or equipment swaps.

A permanently mounted ladder attached to a structure, vessel, or facility used to access elevated work areas. Subcontractors must ensure fixed ladders on their worksites meet provincial and federal safety standards before crews use them. Inspect for damage, proper cage guards, and fall arrest anchor points before starting elevated work.

Safety systems and equipment that prevent workers from falling at heights above 3 metres. Subcontractors are responsible for supplying compliant gear and training before mobilising crews to site. Non-compliance can result in stop-work orders and contract liability.

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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.