What is a WSIB clearance certificate and why is it important?

A WSIB clearance certificate is an official document from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario that proves a contractor has no outstanding premiums, penalties, or claims - and it's absolutely critical for protecting Ottawa homeowners from potential liability.

When you hire a contractor in Ottawa who doesn't have valid WSIB coverage, you could become legally responsible for any workplace injuries that occur on your property. This means if a worker gets hurt during your renovation, you might face thousands of dollars in medical costs, lost wages, and legal fees that should have been covered by the contractor's WSIB insurance.

How WSIB Clearance Works in Ontario

Every contractor in Ontario with employees must register with WSIB and maintain coverage. The clearance certificate proves they're in good standing - no missed payments, no outstanding claims, and active coverage for their workers. Think of it as proof that the contractor is running a legitimate, compliant business.

You can verify a contractor's WSIB clearance online at wsib.ca/clearances or by calling WSIB directly. The certificate will show the contractor's business name, registration number, and confirmation that they're clear to work. Always ask for this before signing any contract in Ottawa.

What Happens Without WSIB Coverage

If your contractor doesn't have WSIB clearance and a worker gets injured on your Ottawa property, WSIB can come after you for the costs. This isn't just theoretical - Ontario homeowners have faced bills of $50,000 or more for workplace injuries when their contractor wasn't properly covered. Even if you thought the contractor had insurance, if they let their WSIB lapse, you're still potentially liable.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be suspicious if an Ottawa contractor says they don't need WSIB because they're a sole proprietor or only use subcontractors. While true sole proprietors without employees aren't required to have WSIB, many contractors claim this status incorrectly. If they're bringing multiple workers to your job site, they likely need coverage.

Also watch out for contractors who say they'll get WSIB "after you hire them" or provide expired clearance certificates. Legitimate contractors maintain their coverage year-round because they're actively working.

Getting Proper Verification

When vetting contractors in Ottawa, ask for their WSIB clearance certificate upfront, along with their ESA license (for electrical work) and TSSA certification (for gas work). You can verify the WSIB clearance yourself at wsib.ca/clearances using their business name or account number.

For major renovations in Ottawa, also confirm the contractor has general liability insurance beyond WSIB. While WSIB covers workplace injuries, liability insurance protects against property damage and other issues.

The bottom line: never hire a contractor in Ottawa without verifying their WSIB clearance first. It's free to check, takes two minutes online, and could save you from massive financial liability down the road.