An accidental hit on a buried utility line — gas, electrical, or telecom — during excavation or drilling. Subcontractors face immediate work stoppages, liability exposure, and potential regulatory penalties. Always confirm locate tickets are current before ground disturbance.
Utility Strike
Related Terms
Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions
ComplianceScope 1 covers direct emissions from equipment and vehicles your company owns or operates, such as diesel generators and fleet trucks. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased electricity used at your facilities or job sites. Prime contractors increasingly require subcontractors to track and report both when bidding on ESG-conscious projects.
SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
ComplianceA standardised document detailing the hazards, handling requirements, and emergency procedures for a chemical or hazardous material. Subcontractors must keep current SDSs on-site for every controlled product their crew uses or transports. Inspectors and site safety officers can shut down work if SDSs are missing or outdated.
Personnel Moc (management of Change)
ComplianceA formal process operators use when key personnel on a project are swapped out or replaced. Subcontractors must often submit documentation and get approval before substituting workers mid-contract. Failing to follow this process can result in work stoppages or contract penalties.
Hazcom (hazard Communication Standard)
ComplianceA regulatory requirement mandating that workers are informed about hazardous chemicals on site through labels, Safety Data Sheets, and training. Subcontractors must maintain compliant SDS binders and ensure crews are trained before handling any hazardous materials. Non-compliance can result in site removal or fines from regulators like WorkSafeBC or the OHS.
Trench Safety Stand Down
ComplianceA mandatory work stoppage where all excavation and trenching crews halt operations to review cave-in prevention and protective system requirements. Subcontractors must ensure workers, supervisors, and equipment operators participate before resuming ground-breaking work. Primes may require documented sign-off proving your crew completed the stand down.
ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association)
ComplianceA North American trade body that sets performance standards for personal protective equipment (PPE). Subcontractors should verify that hard hats, high-visibility vests, and eye protection meet ISEA standards. Many operator and general contractor safety plans require ISEA-compliant PPE on site.
Latest Compliance News
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Trenchless Technology outlines five field-tested vacuum excavation practices for HDD contractors, tied to Common Ground Alliance data on utility strike causes.
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Canadian journeypersons certified in a Red Seal trade on or after April 1, 2025 can apply for a $5,000 federal bonus starting Nov. 16, 2026. Here is what employers should prepare now.
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On Aldridge Electric's I-405/I-105 tunnel relighting in Los Angeles, traffic breaches drove the safety plan. Here is what electrical and traffic control subs can take from it before bidding live-traffic work.
4 days agoComplianceFinning Fined $155K After 2023 Loader Injury Near Fort McMurray
Finning International pleaded guilty to an Alberta OHS Code count after a worker was struck by a moving loader in 2023. The $155,000 creative sentence funds third-party-site safety training.
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