How do I verify if my contractor has valid WorkSafeBC coverage before hiring them?

Always verify your contractor's WorkSafeBC coverage before signing any contract — it's legally required for all contractors in BC and protects you from significant liability if someone gets injured on your property.

Checking WorkSafeBC Coverage is straightforward through their online verification system. Visit worksafebc.com and use their "Find a Covered Employer" search tool. You can search by business name, WorkSafeBC account number, or registration number. The system will show you if the contractor has active coverage, their account status, and their classification unit (which indicates what type of work they're registered for). Make sure their classification matches the work you're hiring them for — a landscaper shouldn't be doing electrical work under a different classification.

What to Look For when verifying coverage includes an active account status (not suspended or cancelled), coverage that extends through your project timeline, and appropriate classification codes for your specific work. The contractor should be able to provide their WorkSafeBC account number readily — any hesitation is a red flag. For electrical work, they also need Technical Safety BC licensing, and for gas work, both TSBC licensing and additional gas contractor certification.

Red Flags and Consequences of hiring uninsured contractors can be severe. If an uninsured worker gets injured on your property, you could be personally liable for medical costs, lost wages, and permanent disability benefits — potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some contractors claim they're "independent" and don't need coverage, but this is incorrect. In BC, anyone performing construction work for hire must have WorkSafeBC coverage unless they're the actual property owner doing work on their own home. Even legitimate contractors can let coverage lapse, so verify coverage close to your project start date, not months in advance.

Additional Verification Steps should include requesting a current Certificate of Good Standing from WorkSafeBC (contractors can generate this online), confirming their liability insurance is current and adequate for your project, and checking that any subcontractors they bring also have valid coverage. For larger projects, ask to see their safety program documentation. Reputable contractors will appreciate your diligence and provide this information without hesitation.

Documentation and Next Steps include getting written confirmation of coverage before work begins, keeping copies of their WorkSafeBC certificate and insurance documents, and understanding that you can verify coverage anytime during the project if you have concerns. If you discover a contractor is working without coverage, stop the work immediately and contact WorkSafeBC at 1-888-621-7233. Remember that legitimate contractors factor WorkSafeBC premiums into their pricing — if a quote seems unusually low, inadequate coverage might be the reason.

Browse contractors in our Vancouver Construction Network directory, where we encourage all listed professionals to maintain proper WorkSafeBC coverage and licensing.