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.
Third-Party Locator
Related Terms
Community Benefits Agreement
ComplianceA contract between a project owner and local stakeholders requiring hiring targets for local labour and subcontractors. Field service companies bidding on major projects may need to demonstrate local content compliance to qualify. Non-compliance can result in contract penalties or disqualification.
Order-In-Council
ComplianceA federal or provincial regulation passed by cabinet without a full legislative vote. For subcontractors, these can quickly change environmental rules, project approvals, or labour requirements on active job sites. Monitor them closely, as non-compliance can halt work or void contracts.
Bonding Requirement
ComplianceA contractual obligation requiring subcontractors to obtain a surety bond guaranteeing project completion or payment to suppliers. General contractors use bonds to protect against default or non-performance. Bonding capacity can limit the size and number of contracts a field service company can bid on.
Energize
ComplianceTo bring electrical equipment or a system into a live, powered state on a job site. Subcontractors must confirm proper authorisation and lockout/tagout clearance before energizing any equipment. Premature energizing is a leading cause of worksite incidents and contractor liability.
Engineering Controls
CompliancePhysical or mechanical measures used to eliminate or reduce hazards at a worksite, such as guards, ventilation systems, or barriers. Subcontractors are often required to verify these controls are in place before work begins. They rank above administrative controls in the hierarchy of controls.
Osha (occupational Safety and Health Administration) Variance
ComplianceA formal permit allowing a subcontractor to use an alternative method that differs from a standard OSHA regulation. It is granted when the alternative provides equal or greater worker protection. Subcontractors must apply directly and remain compliant with all variance conditions during field operations.
Latest Compliance News
Miners' Union Presses MSHA to Restore Silica Dust Rule Enforcement
United Mine Workers of America president Brian Sanson is demanding MSHA immediately enforce its stalled silica exposure rule, citing new black lung data from coal country. The fight has direct implications for any contractor cutting, drilling or blasting rock and concrete.
2 days agoComplianceOSHA Probes Electrician's Death at Mizzou Stadium Renovation Site
OSHA opened an investigation after a 44-year-old electrical foreman died during a June workplace incident at the University of Missouri's Memorial Stadium renovation project.
2 days agoComplianceCO2 Pipeline Buildout Could Open Major New Market for Pipeline Contractors
Pipeline Technology Journal analysis shows the US aims to grow its CO2 pipeline network up to 20x by 2050, a buildout that could create sustained work for pipeline construction and integrity contractors.
3 days agoComplianceLightning-Sparked Fire Shuts Down Key Oklahoma Fuel Hub, Diesel Prices in Focus
A lightning strike ignited three storage tanks at Explorer Pipeline's Glenpool depot near Tulsa, halting operations at a hub that moves gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel across Texas, Oklahoma, and the Midwest.
5 days agoRelated 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.
Stay sharp on field operations
Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to FieldNews
