WorkSafeBC is British Columbia's workers compensation board. If you run a snow removal business in BC, it affects you when you hire workers, when you use subcontractors, and when a strata or property manager asks for proof that you are in good standing.
This guide covers the WorkSafeBC basics for snow plow operators, snow removal companies and landscapers who add winter work.
General information only, not legal or insurance advice. Confirm your registration, classification and coverage options with WorkSafeBC.
Who Has to Register
WorkSafeBC says: "All employers are legally required to have WorkSafeBC coverage unless the employer is exempt." An employer includes someone who hires workers or unregistered subcontractors. Coverage is optional for self-employed people.
That last point matters in snow removal. Many businesses bring on extra help or subs for a big storm. Once you hire a worker, or use a sub who is not registered, the employer rules can apply to you.
Consequences of Not Registering
WorkSafeBC says that not registering when required "is against the law," and if an uncovered worker is injured, "you could be responsible for both the worker's claim costs and your unpaid premiums." Registration is done through WorkSafeBC's online application.
How WorkSafeBC Classifies Your Business
Every registered firm is assigned a classification unit (CU) based on its main business undertaking. Firms in the same CU share base rates. WorkSafeBC has an online tool to find the classification and rate for an industry.
We do not publish classification numbers or rates for snow removal, because your CU depends on what WorkSafeBC decides your main business is. A landscaper who plows in winter and a year-round snow and ice company may be classified differently. Check the lookup tool and confirm with WorkSafeBC when you register.
Personal Coverage for Owners
Because coverage is optional for the self-employed, owners who want protection for themselves can look at WorkSafeBC's Personal Coverage, formerly called Personal Optional Protection. It is workplace disability insurance that pays health care, wage-loss and rehabilitation benefits.
- Eligible: sole proprietors, with or without workers, and partners
- Not eligible: owners or shareholders working for their own incorporated company
WorkSafeBC says online applications take about 10 business days, so apply before the season rather than after the first storm. For an owner operator plowing alone at 3 a.m., it is worth understanding what happens if you are hurt. See owner operators.
Clearance Letters and Subcontractors
WorkSafeBC explains that "a clearance letter confirms a business is registered with us and paying its premiums."
If you hire a registered subcontractor who is not making their payments, WorkSafeBC says "you could be liable for insurance premiums relating to the work or service they provided to you." To protect yourself, WorkSafeBC advises getting a clearance letter before and after the work, addressed to you, confirming the contractor was active and in good standing for the whole contract.
For snow contractors, this works in two directions:
- When you hire subs, collect clearance letters at the start and the end of the season. See hiring subcontractors safely and the subcontractor COI tracker.
- When you are the sub or the contractor, expect stratas, property managers and prime contractors to ask you for one. See strata snow removal contracts in BC.
Roof Snow and Fall Protection
Roof snow clearing brings its own WorkSafeBC rules. Part 11 of BC's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation requires fall protection where a fall of 3 metres (10 feet) or more may occur, or where a lower fall carries a greater risk of injury. If you offer roof work, build it into your safety program and tell your broker. See roof snow removal insurance and building a snow removal safety program.
WorkSafeBC Is Not Liability Insurance
WorkSafeBC covers workplace injuries to workers. It does not cover a pedestrian who slips in a lot you cleared, or a car your plow damages. Those are matters for general liability, slip and fall coverage and your auto policy. Read our overview of workers compensation for snow removal and snow plow insurance cost in BC.
Sources
- WorkSafeBC: Who needs coverage
- WorkSafeBC: Consequences of not registering
- WorkSafeBC: Personal Coverage
- WorkSafeBC: Why get a clearance letter
- WorkSafeBC: Find your classification and industry rate
- WorkSafeBC: OHS Regulation Part 11, Fall Protection
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do snow removal businesses in BC need WorkSafeBC coverage?
WorkSafeBC says all employers must have coverage unless exempt, and an employer includes someone who hires workers or unregistered subcontractors. Coverage is optional for self-employed people.
Can I get WorkSafeBC coverage for myself as an owner?
Sole proprietors and partners can apply for Personal Coverage. Owners working for their own incorporated company are not eligible for it.
What is a WorkSafeBC clearance letter?
It confirms a business is registered and paying its premiums. Get one before and after a subcontractor's work, addressed to you, to protect against liability for their unpaid premiums.
What WorkSafeBC classification is snow removal?
WorkSafeBC assigns a classification unit based on your main business undertaking. Use its online lookup tool and confirm with WorkSafeBC.