A regulatory violation notice issued when an inspector finds a condition likely to cause serious injury or death. For subcontractors, it typically triggers fines, mandatory corrective action, and potential work stoppage. These citations can affect prequalification standing and future contract eligibility.
ComplianceGlossary Term
Serious Citation
Related Terms
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
ComplianceProtective gear — such as hard hats, steel-toed boots, high-visibility vests, gloves, and eye protection — that subcontractors and their crews are required to wear on oil & gas and construction sites to meet site-specific safety standards and regulatory obligations. As a subcontractor, ensuring your workers arrive on-site with proper, compliant PPE is typically your responsibility and a condition of maintaining your contract.
Jones Act Waiver
ComplianceA temporary federal exemption allowing foreign-flagged vessels to transport cargo between U.S. ports. Subcontractors may encounter this during emergency offshore operations or disaster response work. Waivers affect vessel availability, crewing rules, and subcontract scope on marine projects.
IADC (International Association of Drilling Contractors)
ComplianceA global industry body that sets drilling standards, safety training programmes, and well control certifications. Subcontractors working on drilling sites often need IADC-recognised credentials to qualify for contracts. Holding valid IADC certifications can directly affect your crew's eligibility and your bid competitiveness.
Impairment-Based Testing
ComplianceA drug and alcohol testing method that assesses a worker's current functional fitness rather than detecting past substance use. It uses cognitive or physical performance baselines to flag impairment at the time of testing. Subcontractors must understand site requirements, as accepted methods vary by client and jurisdiction.
Zero-Tolerance (drug and Alcohol Policy)
ComplianceA site policy that prohibits any detectable level of drugs or alcohol in workers. Subcontractors must ensure all personnel pass pre-access and random testing. Violations typically result in immediate removal from site and contract penalties.
NDT (Non-destructive Testing)
ComplianceInspection methods used to evaluate welds, pipelines, and structures without damaging them. Common NDT techniques include ultrasonic, radiographic, and magnetic particle testing. Subcontractors often need certified NDT technicians on crew to meet client and regulatory requirements.
Latest Compliance News
Compliance
Wearables Offer Real-Time Heat Stress Monitoring for Construction Crews
Construction Executive reports that biometric sensors, smart helmets and connected vests now let crews track heat stress in real time, giving supervisors data to intervene before workers suffer heat exhaustion or stroke.
21 hours agoComplianceHibernia Platform's Second High-Potential Incident in Two Months Draws Regulator Scrutiny
A dropped casing joint injured a worker on the Hibernia offshore platform on July 18, marking the second potentially fatal incident there since May, World Oil reports. C-NLOER is monitoring the operator's investigation.
yesterdayComplianceOSHA Releases New Guidance for Small Employers Responding to Complaints and Referrals
OSHA published a new fact sheet and companion resource walking small employers through best practices for responding to complaint- and referral-driven inquiries, including investigation, documentation, and response timelines.
yesterdayComplianceWerner Opens Height Safety Innovation Center in Austin
Werner has launched a new Height Safety Center in Austin, Texas, offering hands-on training and product collaboration for fall protection and access equipment users, ISHN reports.
yesterdayRelated Guides
Compliance Guide
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.
Compliance GuideOSHA 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.
Compliance GuideHow 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.
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