What is WSIB, and why does it matter when hiring a contractor?

WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) is Ontario's workplace insurance system that protects both workers and homeowners when construction work is performed on your property. As an Ottawa homeowner, hiring a contractor without valid WSIB coverage could leave you financially liable if a worker gets injured on your project.

What WSIB Actually Does

WSIB provides workplace injury insurance for Ontario workers and employers. When a contractor has WSIB coverage, it means that if one of their workers gets hurt on your job site, WSIB covers the medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation - not you as the homeowner.

Without WSIB coverage, if a worker falls off your roof in Kanata or gets injured renovating your basement in Barrhaven, you could be held personally liable for their medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. This can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars or more.

How to Verify WSIB Coverage in Ontario

Before hiring any contractor in Ottawa, request their WSIB Clearance Certificate. This is a document that proves they're in good standing with WSIB and have no outstanding premiums or violations.

You can verify WSIB coverage yourself by visiting wsib.ca and using their clearance verification system, or by calling WSIB directly at 1-800-387-0750. The contractor should provide you with their WSIB account number and clearance certificate without hesitation.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be immediately suspicious if a contractor in Ottawa tells you "we don't need WSIB" or "WSIB is optional." Some contractors try to avoid WSIB costs by claiming they're sole proprietors or that the work doesn't require coverage. While there are limited exemptions, most construction work on residential properties requires WSIB coverage.

Another red flag is contractors who say they'll "add WSIB to the quote if you want it." WSIB isn't an optional add-on - legitimate contractors already have coverage and factor those costs into their regular pricing.

WSIB Requirements for Different Types of Work

In Ottawa, most renovation and construction projects require WSIB coverage, including roofing, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC installation, basement finishing, and general contracting. Even if you're hiring someone for a smaller job like deck repairs in Orleans or fence installation in Stittsville, WSIB coverage protects you.

The only workers typically exempt from WSIB are truly independent contractors working alone with no employees, but even then, many choose to carry coverage for their own protection.

Getting WSIB Information from Your Contractor

When getting quotes from Ottawa contractors, ask for their WSIB clearance certificate along with their insurance certificates and licensing information. Legitimate contractors will have this readily available and won't hesitate to provide it.

You can also request that contractors provide a fresh clearance certificate dated close to when work begins, as WSIB status can change if contractors fall behind on premiums.

Your Protection as an Ottawa Homeowner

Beyond protecting you from liability, hiring WSIB-covered contractors also ensures you're working with legitimate businesses that follow Ontario employment standards. Contractors who skip WSIB often cut other corners too, like proper licensing, insurance, or building permits.

For more information about WSIB requirements and contractor verification, contact WSIB directly at wsib.ca or call their customer service line. The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) can also provide guidance on contractor requirements for permitted work.

Remember: legitimate contractors in Ottawa already have WSIB coverage and won't see your request for verification as unreasonable - it's standard practice for protecting both parties in any construction project.