Why do I need to verify WSIB coverage before hiring a contractor?

WSIB coverage verification is legally required in Ontario and protects you from potentially devastating liability if a worker gets injured on your property.

When you hire a contractor in Ottawa without valid WSIB coverage, you become legally responsible for any workplace injuries that occur during your project. This means if a worker falls off your roof, gets electrocuted, or suffers any other injury, you could face:

• Direct responsibility for all medical costs and rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wage compensation payments that could continue for years
• Potential lawsuits from injured workers
• Your homeowner's insurance may refuse coverage for workplace injuries
• Personal financial liability that could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars

How WSIB Protection Works in Ontario

WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) is Ontario's workplace insurance system. When contractors have valid coverage, WSIB becomes the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries - meaning injured workers cannot sue you personally. Without this coverage, Ontario's construction industry would expose every homeowner to massive financial risk.

Verifying WSIB Coverage in Ottawa

Check every contractor's WSIB status before signing any contract:

The clearance certificate should be current (issued within 30 days) and show "Clear to hire" status. Never accept expired certificates or promises to "get coverage later."

What to Watch For

Red flags that indicate WSIB problems:

• Contractor says "I don't need WSIB because I work alone" (still required in most cases)


• Offers significantly lower prices (often because they're avoiding WSIB premiums)


• Cannot produce current clearance certificate


• Claims their workers are all "subcontractors" or "helpers"


• Suggests you can save money by not worrying about WSIB

Ottawa-Specific Considerations

In Ottawa's construction market, legitimate contractors understand WSIB requirements and have current coverage. The City of Ottawa building permit process doesn't verify WSIB coverage, so this responsibility falls entirely on you as the homeowner.

Many Ottawa contractors will proactively provide their WSIB clearance certificate with their quote, demonstrating they're professional and properly insured. Those who hesitate or make excuses about WSIB coverage should raise immediate concerns.

Beyond Legal Protection

WSIB coverage also indicates a contractor runs a legitimate business. Companies that skip WSIB often cut other corners too - like proper licensing, quality materials, or building code compliance. Verifying WSIB coverage is one of the easiest ways to separate professional contractors from fly-by-night operators.

For electrical work, verify both ESA licensing at esasafe.com and WSIB coverage. For gas work, check TSSA certification at tssa.org plus WSIB. This combination ensures you're working with properly qualified, legally compliant contractors who won't expose you to unnecessary risk.

Remember: the few minutes spent verifying WSIB coverage could save you from years of financial hardship if something goes wrong on your project.