How often should a GC request a new WSIB clearance?

At least before each payment or when the current certificate expires. Certificates carry an expiry date shown on the document.

Does the demolition sub provide the Designated Substance Survey?

No. Under OHSA section 30 the owner provides it before tendering, and the constructor passes it to every sub.

Is Working at Heights training always required?

It is required for workers on construction projects who use certain fall protection methods, such as a travel restraint or fall arrest system. Most demolition crews need it.

Can a GC name themselves as additional insured?

The GC can request it, and the sub's insurer adds the endorsement. It is common in commercial subcontracts.

Question guide

What documents does a general contractor need from a demolition subcontractor in Ontario?

General contractors
Prequalification
WSIB

An Ontario general contractor typically needs a current WSIB clearance certificate, a certificate of insurance for commercial general liability, the subcontractor's health and safety policy and program, and proof of worker training before a demolition sub starts on site. Many GCs also ask for a site-specific safety plan, equipment records and references.

The exact list depends on the GC's own prequalification system, the owner's requirements and the type of demolition involved.

WSIB clearance certificate

Under Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, a principal can be held liable for a contractor's unpaid WSIB premiums. A clearance certificate confirms the sub's account is in good standing. GCs usually ask for one before the first payment and again at intervals, since certificates have an expiry date and are renewed through WSIB's online system.

Certificate of insurance

A certificate of insurance shows the sub's commercial general liability coverage, the policy period and the insurer. GCs often ask to be named as additional insured and may set a minimum limit in the subcontract. Automobile liability for trucks and equipment, and sometimes pollution liability for abatement work, may also be requested.

Health and safety policy and program

The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers with six or more regularly employed workers to have a written health and safety policy and a program to implement it. GCs ask for these documents to confirm the sub has a working system, not just a binder.

Written health and safety policy, signed and dated
Hazard assessments and safe work procedures for demolition tasks
Incident reporting and investigation process
Emergency and first aid arrangements

Worker training records

Training records show that the crew on site is qualified for the work.

Working at Heights training from an approved provider under O. Reg. 297/13 where fall hazards exist
Supervisor and worker health and safety awareness training
WHMIS training for hazardous products
Asbestos training where Type 2 or Type 3 operations under O. Reg. 278/05 are involved
Equipment operator training for skid steers, excavators and lifts

Site-specific documents

Once awarded, the sub often provides a site-specific safety plan, a demolition sequence and, for structural work, confirmation of the engineering and shoring in place. The GC will want to know who the competent supervisor is and how they can be reached. The Designated Substance Survey comes the other way: it is provided by the owner through the GC to every sub under OHSA section 30.

Prequalification platforms

Many larger GCs use third-party prequalification systems, and some owners require specific safety certifications. These vary widely. If you are a sub, ask which system and which documents a GC uses before you bid, so the paperwork does not hold up your start.

Keeping documents current

Documents expire. WSIB clearance certificates have validity dates, insurance policies renew annually and training certificates such as Working at Heights need refreshing on a set cycle. A GC that collects documents once at the start of a long project may find half of them out of date by the end. A simple tracker listing each sub, each document and its expiry date, checked before each payment, solves most of this.

What we do about it

We keep our WSIB clearance on file and provide it on request, along with a certificate of insurance for our $5M commercial general liability coverage. We ask each GC for its prequalification list early so our documents arrive with the bid, not after award. Read about our structural demolition and commercial strip-outs work, or request a free estimate for your project.

FAQ

Questions about this topic

How often should a GC request a new WSIB clearance?: At least before each payment or when the current certificate expires. Certificates carry an expiry date shown on the document.
Does the demolition sub provide the Designated Substance Survey?: No. Under OHSA section 30 the owner provides it before tendering, and the constructor passes it to every sub.
Is Working at Heights training always required?: It is required for workers on construction projects who use certain fall protection methods, such as a travel restraint or fall arrest system. Most demolition crews need it.
Can a GC name themselves as additional insured?: The GC can request it, and the sub's insurer adds the endorsement. It is common in commercial subcontracts.

Planning references

Confirm the current requirements for your scope with the relevant authority before arranging work.