Workers' Compensation Clearance

What is Workers' Compensation Clearance?

A Workers' Compensation Clearance Certificate confirms that a company is registered with their provincial Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and is in good standing — meaning all premiums and assessments are paid up to date. In Ontario, this is issued by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Other provinces have their own boards: WorkSafeBC in British Columbia, WCB Alberta, and so on. This certificate is commonly required before a contractor can begin work on a project, as it protects the hiring party from liability for workplace injuries.

Every construction company that hires workers in Canada must register with their provincial WCB and maintain good standing. General contractors and project owners routinely require subcontractors to provide a valid clearance certificate before allowing them on site. Without it, the hiring party could be held liable for any workplace injury claims, making this one of the most commonly requested company documents in the construction industry.

Why Expiration Tracking Matters

WCB clearance certificates are typically valid for a limited period (often 90 days in Ontario) and must be renewed regularly. An expired clearance can mean a company is no longer in good standing — perhaps due to unpaid premiums or outstanding claims. If a subcontractor's clearance lapses, the general contractor may withhold payment or deny site access until a valid certificate is provided. Fines for operating without proper WCB coverage can be substantial, and the company may be liable for all injury costs.

Provincial Requirements & Regulations

Each province has its own workers' compensation system. Ontario's WSIB issues clearance certificates online through their e-Services portal. Alberta's WCB provides Certificates of Good Standing. British Columbia's WorkSafeBC issues clearance letters. Quebec's CNESST has its own system. While the concept is the same nationwide — proving your company is registered and in good standing — the specific processes, validity periods, and documentation vary by province.

Renewal Process

Clearance certificates must be requested from your provincial WCB whenever needed, as they have short validity windows. In Ontario, WSIB clearance certificates can be generated online instantly if the account is in good standing. Companies should request a new certificate before each new project or whenever the current one approaches expiry. Setting up automated reminders ensures you always have a valid certificate ready when a general contractor or project owner requests one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming a clearance certificate is valid indefinitely — most expire within 60-90 days
• Not checking WCB status before bidding on projects — an account in arrears cannot generate a clearance
• Failing to provide clearance certificates to general contractors promptly, causing payment delays
• Not understanding that each province has its own WCB system — a certificate from one province doesn't cover another

Issuing Authority

WSIB / Provincial WCB

www.wsib.ca

Contact

Provincial WCB office

Phone

1-800-387-0750

Frequently Asked Questions