WorkSafeBC treats hiring an independent business differently from hiring your own worker. For a typical homeowner who is a customer of an independent business, WorkSafeBC says the homeowner generally does not register as that business’s employer. It also recommends checking whether the business is registered and making required payments by obtaining a clearance letter.
We match your request with one trusted local contractor from the BC Quote network who is well suited to your job and area.
Independent business versus your own worker
WorkSafeBC distinguishes between being a customer of an independent business and directly hiring your own worker. Examples of an independent business can include an incorporated company or a person who is in business providing services such as roofing, painting, landscaping or gutter cleaning to multiple customers.
If you directly employ a worker rather than hiring an independent business, different registration and safety obligations can apply. The exact situation matters, so homeowners should use WorkSafeBC’s current guidance when they are unsure.
What a WorkSafeBC clearance letter tells you
A clearance letter can tell you whether a business registered with WorkSafeBC is active and making its required payments. WorkSafeBC warns that a customer can potentially be responsible for premiums if a registered contractor is not making required payments, which is why checking current clearance status matters.
WorkSafeBC’s online clearance-letter application allows a homeowner or business to search using the contractor’s precise legal or trade name or WorkSafeBC account number. Save the result with your project records when the status is important to the work.
- Check the current status close to the time the work is being performed.
- Use the precise business name or WorkSafeBC account number when possible.
- Do not assume an old clearance letter proves the contractor’s current status.
- If the contractor is an unregistered proprietor working alone, ask about insurance and personal coverage because the situation can differ from a business that employs workers.
What WorkSafeBC status does not prove
A clearance letter is not a workmanship rating. It does not tell you whether a contractor is skilled at your specific project, whether the price is fair, whether the company has liability insurance, or whether the written scope protects you. Treat it as one part of due diligence, not a substitute for the rest.
For projects involving regulated trades, permits, asbestos or other specialized work, separate legal or licensing requirements may apply.
When homeowners can have additional responsibilities
WorkSafeBC notes that homeowners can have different obligations when they directly hire their own workers or when they act as the prime contractor in construction of their own home. Those situations are more complex than simply purchasing services from an independent business.
If your project structure is unusual, or you are effectively managing multiple workers or contractors yourself, use WorkSafeBC’s homeowner guidance or contact WorkSafeBC rather than relying on general internet advice.
Keep a simple project file
For larger work, keep the quote, contract, insurance information, clearance letter if relevant, change orders, invoices, warranty information and key messages together. That makes it much easier to resolve questions about scope or timing later.
Before final payment, confirm that agreed work, cleanup, documentation and any required inspections or close-out items are complete.
Use current official information
WorkSafeBC updates its guidance, so the best source is the current WorkSafeBC homeowners page. You can also use the official clearance-letter application linked from WorkSafeBC to check a registered firm’s status.
BC Quote can help make the first contractor connection, but homeowners should still independently verify the contractor information that matters to their project.
Frequently asked questions
Do homeowners always need to register with WorkSafeBC before hiring a contractor?
No. WorkSafeBC distinguishes between hiring an independent business as a customer and directly employing your own worker. A homeowner who is simply a customer of an independent business is generally treated differently from an employer.
What does “active and in good standing” mean?
WorkSafeBC uses that wording to indicate that a registered firm is active and up to date with required payments for the period covered by the clearance information.
Does a clearance letter prove a contractor is good at the work?
No. It addresses WorkSafeBC registration and payment status. You should separately consider project experience, written scope, insurance, communication and other qualifications relevant to the job.
Should I check WorkSafeBC only once?
For projects where clearance status matters, WorkSafeBC recommends current clearance information. The appropriate timing can depend on the project and your role, so use its current guidance for your situation.
Tell BC Quote about the job once.
We use your service, city, timing and project details to match the request with one trusted local contractor from the BC Quote network who is well suited to your job and area.