What WSIB coverage should I verify before hiring a tile contractor in Ottawa?

When you hire a tile contractor in Ottawa, you should verify that they carry active WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) coverage through their employer account number. This is the single most important credential to check before signing any contract or allowing work to begin on your property.

WSIB is Ontario's mandatory workplace insurance system that covers workers injured on the job. If a tile contractor or their employees are injured while working in your home — whether it's a fall, a cut, a back injury, or any workplace accident — WSIB coverage protects you from personal liability. Without it, an injured worker can sue you directly for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars. Your homeowner's insurance typically does not cover injuries to contractors or their employees, which is why WSIB is so critical.

How to verify WSIB coverage: Ask the contractor directly for their WSIB account number and employer name. You can then verify it through the WSIB website at wsib.on.ca by searching the Employer Account Verification tool. A legitimate contractor should provide this information without hesitation — if they refuse, decline, or seem evasive, do not hire them. Some contractors work as sole proprietors or incorporated companies, and the WSIB structure may vary slightly, but the principle is the same: legitimate contractors carry active coverage through registered employer accounts.

Do not accept promises to "get coverage" before work starts or vague assurances that "insurance is fine." Verify the account number in writing before the project begins. You can also ask the contractor for a current WSIB clearance certificate, which is issued to contractors in good standing and confirms their account is active.

Beyond WSIB, also confirm that the contractor carries liability insurance (general liability) that covers their tile work. This protects both you and them against damage to your home or injury to third parties. Ask for proof of insurance and confirm that the policy is active and adequate for your project scope.

Hiring an uninsured or under-insured contractor in Ottawa may save a few hundred dollars upfront, but the financial and legal risk is genuinely not worth it. One serious injury on your property could become an expensive nightmare. Legitimate, professional tile installers in Ottawa expect to carry WSIB and liability coverage as part of doing business — it is the cost of being a responsible contractor. When you are ready to hire, you can browse tile contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory and verify their coverage before reaching out.

---

Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Justyn Rook Contracting
• Luxe Painting and Renovations
• 613Bins