In Ontario, most employers are required to register with the WSIB and pay insurance premiums. However, the construction industry operates under a unique liability model where general contractors and project owners are potentially liable for the unpaid premiums of any subcontractor in their chain. The WSIB Certificate of Clearance—formally known as a Clearance Certificate —is the primary mechanism to mitigate this risk. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a general "license to operate" but a dynamic snapshot of a firm’s payment compliance.
A WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) certificate, also known as a WSIB clearance certificate, is a document that confirms a business has a valid WSIB account and is in good standing with their premium payments. The WSIB is a government agency responsible for providing insurance coverage to workers who are injured on the job. wsib certificate
A WSIB certificate, also known as a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board certificate, is a document that proves an employer's registration with the WSIB, which is a government agency responsible for workplace safety and insurance in Ontario. The certificate indicates that the employer has paid their WSIB premiums and is compliant with workplace safety regulations. In Ontario, most employers are required to register
By prioritizing workplace safety and obtaining a WSIB certificate, Ontario businesses can create a safer, healthier work environment for their employees. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a
Under Section 90 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 , the WSIB has the authority to collect unpaid premiums from any party in a construction project’s contracting chain. The Clearance Certificate acts as a legal shield. If a principal contractor obtains a valid certificate from a subcontractor, the principal is generally protected from liability for that subcontractor’s WSIB debts.