Do I need WorkSafeBC coverage if I hire someone to build my fence in BC?

You don't need to obtain WorkSafeBC coverage yourself, but you do need to confirm that the contractor you hire has it — because if they don't, you could be held financially responsible for any injuries that occur on your property during the work.

This is one of the most important and least understood aspects of hiring any contractor in BC, including fence builders. WorkSafeBC is BC's workers' compensation system, and it protects workers who are injured on the job. When you hire a contractor who is properly registered with WorkSafeBC, their workers are covered under that contractor's account. If a worker is injured while building your fence, WorkSafeBC covers their medical costs and wage replacement — and you are protected from personal liability.

The risk comes when you hire someone who is not registered with WorkSafeBC. In BC, if an unregistered contractor is injured on your property, WorkSafeBC can classify you — the homeowner — as the "principal contractor" and hold you responsible for coverage costs, assessments, and potentially the full cost of the claim. This is not a theoretical risk. It happens, and the financial consequences can be severe.

How to verify WorkSafeBC coverage before hiring. The simplest step is to ask the contractor for their WorkSafeBC account number and then verify it yourself using the free online clearance letter tool at worksafebc.com. A clearance letter confirms that the contractor is registered and their account is in good standing at the time of the check. Request this before any work begins — not after. A contractor who hesitates or refuses to provide this information is a significant red flag.

What to watch for with sole proprietors and small operators. In BC, sole proprietors (self-employed individuals with no employees) are not automatically required to register with WorkSafeBC, though they can register voluntarily. If you hire a one-person operation who is not registered, the liability picture becomes murkier. This is particularly common in the fence trade, where many small operators work independently. The safest approach is to only hire contractors — regardless of size — who can provide a valid WorkSafeBC clearance letter.

Beyond WorkSafeBC, also confirm general liability insurance. WorkSafeBC covers worker injuries, but it does not cover property damage. If a contractor damages your home, your neighbour's property, or underground utilities during fence installation, their general liability insurance is what pays for it. Ask for a certificate of liability insurance showing a minimum of $2 million in coverage, which is standard for reputable fence contractors in Metro Vancouver.

As a matching service, Vancouver Fence Builders strongly recommends that every homeowner verify WorkSafeBC clearance and liability insurance independently before signing any contract or allowing work to begin. We are not a vetting service, and confirming these credentials is always your responsibility as the property owner.

If you're ready to connect with fence professionals in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Fence Builders can match you with local contractors for free — and you can find fence professionals through the Vancouver Construction Network directory at vancouverconstructionnetwork.com/directory?trade=fencing.