What happens if work is done by an uninsured worker?

If work is done by an uninsured worker in Ottawa, you as the homeowner become personally liable for any injuries that occur on your property, potentially facing thousands in medical costs, legal fees, and workers' compensation claims.

This is one of the most serious risks Ottawa homeowners face when hiring contractors. Under Ontario law, if a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't have proper WSIB coverage, the injured worker can file a claim directly against you as the property owner.

What You're Liable For

When an uninsured worker gets hurt on your Ottawa property, you could be responsible for:

• All medical expenses and rehabilitation costs


• Lost wages during recovery (potentially months or years)


• Legal fees if the worker sues for negligence


• Pain and suffering damages


• Long-term disability payments if the injury is severe

These costs can easily reach $50,000 to $200,000 or more for serious injuries like falls from roofs or electrical accidents.

WSIB Protection in Ontario

Legitimate contractors in Ottawa must have WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) coverage for their workers. This insurance protects both the worker and you as the homeowner. Always verify WSIB clearance before any work begins by:

Asking for a current WSIB Clearance Certificate

Verifying the certificate online at wsib.ca/clearances

Ensuring the certificate covers the dates of your project

Confirming the contractor's business name matches exactly

Your Homeowner's Insurance Won't Help

Most homeowner's insurance policies in Ontario specifically exclude coverage for injuries to workers performing construction or renovation work. Don't assume your policy will protect you - it likely won't cover uninsured contractor injuries.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be especially cautious of contractors who:

• Offer significantly lower prices (often because they're skipping insurance costs)


• Can't provide WSIB documentation immediately


• Suggest paying cash to "save on taxes"


• Bring different workers than originally discussed


• Seem evasive about insurance questions

Protecting Yourself in Ottawa

Before any work starts on your Ottawa property:

• Verify WSIB coverage through the official website


• Confirm general liability insurance (minimum $2 million recommended)


• Get everything in writing, including insurance requirements


• Never let work begin without seeing current certificates


• Take photos of all insurance documents

For electrical work, also verify the contractor's ESA license at esasafe.com, and for gas work, confirm TSSA certification at tssa.org. These licensed professionals are required to carry proper insurance.

The few hundred dollars you might save hiring an uninsured worker could cost you hundreds of thousands if something goes wrong. Always verify insurance before signing any contract in Ottawa.