Without a valid clearance, if a contractor owes unpaid premiums to the WSIB, the hiring party can be held personally liable for those outstanding amounts up to the labour portion of the contract.
| Aspect | Detail | |--------|--------| | | WSIB Ontario | | Validates | Registration & premium payment, not safety performance | | Who needs it | Any business hiring contractors in construction or high‑risk industries | | Risk of not having it | Hirer assumes full liability for contractor’s workplace injuries | | Validity period | Specific date range (e.g., project duration) | | Cost to obtain | Free (but premiums must be paid in full) | wsib ontario clearance certificate
. While it might seem like just another piece of paperwork, this document is actually one of your most important tools for financial protection and professional credibility. Here is everything you need to know about why these certificates matter and how to manage them. What is a WSIB Clearance Certificate? A clearance certificate is a unique number issued by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) that proves a business is registered and in good standing. Being "in good standing" means: The business has an active account with the WSIB. All premium payments are up to date. All payroll reporting is current. Why Do You Need One? In Ontario, the law often requires a clearance certificate before any work begins and before any payments are made. Liability Protection: If you hire a contractor who doesn't have a valid clearance certificate and someone gets hurt on your site, Without a valid clearance, if a contractor owes
It proves that a business has paid their premiums and has no outstanding debts or reporting issues with the WSIB. Here is everything you need to know about