How recent should a WSIB clearance certificate be?

It should be current, within the validity dates shown on the certificate. GCs often ask for a new one before each payment.

Why do GCs ask to be named as additional insured?

So the sub's liability policy responds to claims against the GC arising from the sub's work.

Do all subs need a written health and safety policy?

Employers with six or more regularly employed workers must have one under OHSA, and most GCs ask for it regardless.

Should the sub provide the Designated Substance Survey?

No. The owner provides it and the constructor passes it on to every sub before work starts.

For general contractors

Prequalification: What GCs Ask a Demolition Sub For

Prequalification
WSIB
Insurance

If you're a general contractor, you know the feeling: the demolition sub has the best price, but you're still waiting on half their paperwork a week before they're supposed to start. And if you're a sub, you know the other side, where every GC wants the same documents in a slightly different format.

Prequalification doesn't have to be painful. Most Ontario GCs ask for the same core set of things. Here's what they are, and why each one matters on a demolition job.

The core documents

Nearly every prequalification package asks for these.

A current WSIB clearance certificate
A certificate of insurance showing commercial general liability, with the GC named as additional insured if required
Automobile liability for trucks and equipment
The company's written health and safety policy
Contact details for the supervisor who will run the job

Safety program and training

The paperwork only tells part of the story. GCs want to see that the safety program actually runs. That means hazard assessments for demolition tasks, safe work procedures, incident reporting and regular toolbox talks.

On the training side, expect questions about Working at Heights under O. Reg. 297/13, WHMIS, supervisor awareness and equipment operation. If the job has asbestos, the GC will want proof of training for the type of operation involved under O. Reg. 278/05.

Experience and capacity

A GC isn't just checking boxes. They want to know you can do this job, on this schedule. Common questions include:

Similar projects completed and references
How many crews and supervisors you can put on the job
What equipment you own versus rent
How you handle debris removal on a tight site
How you manage after-hours or phased work

Site-specific paperwork after award

Once you win the job, a second round starts: a site-specific safety plan, a demolition sequence, and for structural work, confirmation of the engineering and shoring. The GC will also hand you the Designated Substance Survey. Under OHSA section 30 that's the owner's duty, passed through the constructor to every sub, so don't start without it.

Tips for keeping it moving

For subs, keep a prequalification folder ready with current certificates, your safety policy and a short project list. Update the WSIB clearance whenever it's close to expiring. For GCs, send your list with the bid invitation rather than after award. Both sides save a week that way.

Red flags GCs watch for

Experienced GCs learn to spot the warning signs. A WSIB clearance that keeps arriving late, insurance certificates with the wrong project name, a safety policy that's clearly copied from somewhere else, or a sub who can't name the supervisor for the job are all reasons to slow down. So is a price far below everyone else's on a job with asbestos or structural work. None of these automatically disqualify a sub, but they're worth a conversation before award rather than after the first incident.

When it makes sense to bring in a professional

Some demolition looks simple enough to hand to a general labour crew. Bring in a demolition professional when the job includes structural demolition, a live building, hazardous materials in the survey or a tight schedule that other trades depend on. A sub who does commercial strip-outs regularly will usually have their prequalification package ready before you ask.

Compare the actual subcontract packages

After prequalification, put the proposed scopes side by side. Use one row for each removal, retained element and handover requirement. Record the drawing revision, inclusion or exclusion, responsible interface trade and evidence still needed. A certificate does not resolve a missing scope line. Ask each bidder the same clarification question before comparing the responses.

Which drawing issue and site information does the offer rely on?
Who handles service isolation, protection and next-trade repairs?
Which assumptions require a walkthrough or a decision before release?
Where is each answer recorded in the agreed package?

Conclusion

Prequalification is about trust: can this sub do the job safely, on time and without leaving the GC exposed? The documents are how that gets shown. Siteforce Demolition Markham keeps WSIB clearance on file and carries $5M commercial general liability coverage, and we're happy to send our package with a bid. If you've got a project coming up, request a free estimate.

FAQ

Questions about this topic

How recent should a WSIB clearance certificate be?: It should be current, within the validity dates shown on the certificate. GCs often ask for a new one before each payment.
Why do GCs ask to be named as additional insured?: So the sub's liability policy responds to claims against the GC arising from the sub's work.
Do all subs need a written health and safety policy?: Employers with six or more regularly employed workers must have one under OHSA, and most GCs ask for it regardless.
Should the sub provide the Designated Substance Survey?: No. The owner provides it and the constructor passes it on to every sub before work starts.

Planning references

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