What is a WSIB clearance certificate?
A WSIB clearance certificate is an Ontario government document confirming that a contractor has maintained valid Workplace Safety and Insurance Board coverage and has no outstanding assessments or liabilities with WSIB.
The WSIB clearance certificate is an official document issued by Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. It verifies that a roofing contractor is in good standing with their workplace insurance account, has no unpaid assessments, and poses no financial risk to clients through unpaid claims or compliance issues.
Homeowners and property managers request this certificate before hiring because it serves two purposes. First, it proves the contractor carries required workplace coverage for their crew members. Roofing work is high-risk, and injuries on the job can result in claims. Second, the certificate shows the contractor has no outstanding WSIB debt or disputes that might affect their ability to operate legally or complete work reliably.
Ontario law does not prohibit homeowners from hiring uninsured contractors, but most reputable roofing contractors keep their WSIB accounts current as standard business practice. A current clearance certificate takes the guesswork out of verifying insurance status and gives homeowners confidence that the contractor runs a compliant operation.
Contractors can request a clearance certificate directly from WSIB by phone or online. The process is straightforward for businesses with no outstanding liabilities. Some contractors provide the certificate upfront as part of their estimate package.