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Employers with paid workers
You are legally required to register for insurance coverage with WorkSafeBC if you are an employer who hires one or more workers and pays them on a full-time, part-time, casual or contract basis.General contractors
You are required to register if you are a general contractor who employs workers or hires labour contractors who don't carry their own insurance coverage.If you are a general contractor who subcontracts all work to independent firms or to labour contractors with their own coverage, registration may still be mandatory. Contact the Employer Service Centre.
If your subcontractor is registered but not making payments to WorkSafeBC as required, you could be liable for insurance premiums owing in connection with the work or service being performed on your behalf. If you're not registered, and your subcontractor's account isn't up to date, or if the subcontractor misrepresents its registration (i.e. if WorkSafeBC considers the subcontractor to be a worker), you could also be liable for retroactive premiums and the costs of a claim should someone be injured on the job.
For your own protection, it's good practice to request a clearance letter. This will tell you whether a business, contractor or subcontractor is registered with WorkSafeBC and paying regular premiums.
Acting as general contractor in the construction of your home
If you're building your own home and take on the role of a general contractor, you are required to register, even if the subcontractors you hire carry their own registration. If they do, be sure to obtain a clearance letter on your subcontractors to make sure they are in good standing with WorkSafeBC. For more information about obtaining WorkSafeBC coverage for work done in or around your home, see Homeowners and Residential Employers.What are the benefits of my coverage?
Go to Register for coverage.