Home renovators · Working for a landlord or contractor in construction … Having a WSIB clearance number is now mandatory for most construction contractors to work. Failing to register by January 1, 2014 and working without a clearance … Replacement of up to 85% of your net income starting the day after the injury.
Home Renovations
Homeowners who own and rent out residential properties must beware. Under WSIB guidelines, they now become liable under WSIB laws and are seen as constructors. Meaning, if they send anyone to their rental property to do work (whether that is a sole proprietor home renovator, a tradesperson, a duct cleaning company, a roofing company, property maintenance people, etc.) they become liable for all these folks’ WSIB premiums and can be fined up to $100,000 if they don’t obtain valid clearance numbers from WSIB first.
To make things worse, these homeowner/landlords fall under the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act. Meaning, by sending anyone to their rental property, they are an employer. They will be held responsible for the safety of these people while working at their rental property. The reason is: the rental property is a business! If anyone hired takes a fall off their ladder, because the ladder was either faulty or not tied down top and bottom (O. Reg 213/91, s. 80), then the homeowner/landlord could well be taken to court and prosecuted under Ministry of Labour laws. They would face up to $25,000 in fines, plus a potential 25% “victim surcharge” and up to 12 months in jail.
So the WSIB isn’t messing around. They are looking for your money. And both they and the Ministry of Labour can take you to court if you don’t comply.
What is the WSIB?
The WSIB is a government agency that provides no-fault compensation for Ontario workplaces covered under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
What is a Clearance Number?
A clearance number confirms that a contractor/ subcontractor is registered with the WSIB and that their account is in good standing.
Benefits of WSIB Coverage
When you are covered by the WSIB, it means that if you are injured in a work-related accident or develop a work-related illness, you can depend on the WSIB to support you through your recovery, and help you get safely back to work.
Depending on your situation, we may provide:
Replacement of up to 85% of your net income starting the day after the injury.
Loss of retirement income benefit.
Coverage for health care costs.
Help getting you back to work safely, including work reintegration and retraining if necessary.
Starting January 1, 2014, contractors who don’t register with the WSIB and do construction work without a valid clearance number will face fines of up to $100,000 upon conviction. Those who hire contractors without confirming they have a valid clearance number also face serious fines and penalties.
Your success is our business!
Navtaj Chandhoke
