A document outlining how land above a wellsite or pipeline corridor can be accessed and used during operations. Subcontractors must follow it to avoid disturbing restricted areas or triggering landowner disputes. Non-compliance can result in work stoppages or liability on your crew.
Surface Use Plan
Related Terms
FHWA (Federal Highway Administration)
ComplianceA U.S. federal agency that sets regulations for highway construction, maintenance, and safety standards. Subcontractors working on federally funded road projects must meet FHWA compliance requirements. This includes equipment standards, worker safety rules, and reporting obligations.
Personal Fall Arrest System
ComplianceA 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.
Shoring System
ComplianceTemporary structural support used to stabilise trenches, excavations, or structures during construction or maintenance work. Subcontractors are often responsible for installing and inspecting these systems before crew entry. Proper shoring is a regulatory requirement under occupational health and safety codes.
Whistleblower Protection
ComplianceLegal safeguards preventing retaliation against workers who report safety violations, fraud, or regulatory breaches. Subcontractors and field personnel cannot be fired, demoted, or penalised for reporting misconduct to regulators. Protection applies even when reporting against a prime contractor or client company.
Reactive Hazards
ComplianceMaterials or conditions that can cause fires, explosions, or toxic releases through chemical reactions when exposed to heat, water, or other substances. Subcontractors must identify these hazards before work begins and follow site-specific handling protocols. Common examples in oilfield and construction work include peroxides, unstable gases, and certain drilling chemicals.
After-Action Report
ComplianceA structured document completed after a job or incident, summarising what went wrong, what worked, and lessons learned. Subcontractors use it to improve future performance and satisfy client or regulatory requirements. It can also support insurance claims or dispute resolution.
Latest Compliance News
Deadline Nears for J. J. Keller's 2026 Safety Professional of the Year Awards
J. J. Keller & Associates is accepting applications for its 2026 SPOTY Awards through July 31, with winners receiving prize packages valued up to $47,200.
yesterdayComplianceDOT Plans New Rules on Truck Braking Systems and Electronic Logging Devices
The Department of Transportation's 2026 regulatory agenda includes a supplemental proposal for automatic emergency braking on heavy trucks and an update to electronic logging device rules, Safety+Health Magazine reports.
yesterdayComplianceKansas Adds Penalties for Distracted Driving in Work Zones
Kansas' new S.B. 366 bans handheld device use in active construction and school zones, with fines starting July 2027, Safety+Health Magazine reports.
yesterdayComplianceSafety Psychology Research Offers New Framework for Field Culture
ISHN outlines research on cognitive dissonance and "induced hypocrisy" showing how publicly stated safety values, even when imperfectly followed, can drive real behavior change on job sites.
yesterdayRelated Guides
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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