Do subcontractors need their own WSIB coverage in Ontario?

Yes, subcontractors in Ontario are generally required to have their own WSIB coverage, and this is a critical verification step when hiring contractors in Ottawa.

In Ontario, subcontractors are considered independent operators and must carry their own WSIB coverage unless they meet very specific exemption criteria. The main contractor cannot simply extend their WSIB coverage to cover subcontractors working on your Ottawa project.

WSIB Requirements for Subcontractors

Subcontractors must have WSIB coverage if they have employees or if the contract value exceeds certain thresholds. Even sole proprietors without employees may need coverage depending on the type of work and contract value. This applies to all construction work in Ottawa and across Ontario.

The responsibility falls on both the general contractor and the homeowner to verify that all subcontractors have valid WSIB coverage. If a subcontractor gets injured on your Ottawa property and doesn't have proper WSIB coverage, you could face significant liability.

How to Verify WSIB Coverage in Ottawa

Before any work begins on your Ottawa project, request a WSIB Clearance Certificate from both the main contractor and all subcontractors. You can verify this coverage by:

• Asking for the WSIB account number and calling WSIB directly at 1-800-387-0750
• Requesting a current Clearance Certificate (Form 1000A)
• Checking that coverage is active and in good standing
• Ensuring the coverage matches the type of work being performed

Visit wsib.ca/clearances to understand the verification process. The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) may also require WSIB verification for certain permit applications.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be wary of contractors who claim their subcontractors are covered under the main contractor's policy, or who can't provide immediate proof of WSIB coverage for all workers. Some contractors try to misclassify employees as subcontractors to avoid WSIB costs, which puts you at risk.

If a contractor hesitates to provide WSIB documentation or says "we'll get it later," this is a major red flag. All legitimate contractors and subcontractors in Ottawa should have this documentation readily available.

Protection for Ottawa Homeowners

Never allow work to begin without verified WSIB coverage for all workers on your property. This protection is especially important for larger Ottawa projects involving multiple trades - electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and finishing work often involve different subcontractors.

Keep copies of all WSIB Clearance Certificates in your project file. If there's an injury and proper coverage isn't in place, you could be liable for medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

For additional consumer protection information, visit ontario.ca/consumer or contact the City of Ottawa's Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 for permit-related WSIB requirements.