S&S (Significant and Substantial)

A government-issued authorisation required before drilling or servicing a well can begin. Subcontractors should confirm a valid permit is in place before mobilising crews or equipment. Work started without one can result in shutdowns, fines, or liability for the operator and service company.

A risk-based inspection standard used on oil and gas facilities to prioritise equipment checks by failure likelihood and consequence. Subcontractors may need to align their inspection scopes and documentation to meet API 580 requirements on client sites.

A mandatory work pause requiring crews to verify no buried utilities or underground hazards exist before digging or drilling begins. Subcontractors are typically contractually responsible for completing all locates and documented checks before breaking ground. Failure to comply can void insurance coverage and expose your company to full liability for strikes.

A framework governing how subcontractors manage workplace hazards, environmental risks, and worker wellbeing on job sites. Most operators require subcontractors to meet specific EHS standards before awarding contracts. Non-compliance can result in site removal, fines, or disqualification from future work.

The process of identifying and quantifying unintended releases of gas, liquid, or vapour from pipelines, valves, or equipment. Subcontractors are often hired to perform LDM (Leak Detection and Measurement) surveys using specialised tools and sensors. Accurate reporting is critical, as findings directly affect regulatory compliance and operator liability.

A written safety review completed by crew members before starting a job task on site. It identifies hazards, required controls, and who is responsible for each step. Subcontractors are often required to submit these to the prime contractor before work begins.

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.