WorkSafeNB clearance certificates: protection for homeowners and principals in New Brunswick

WorkSafeNB's rule is simple: if you hire someone who is not registered and paying, you may end up paying their assessments. A clearance certificate is the protection, and it takes minutes to check.

Principal liability

WorkSafeNB's policy says principals are liable for the assessment amounts on contracts with unregistered contractors, whether or not they withheld money, unless they obtained a clearance certificate. The share of the contract value treated as labour depends on the type of contract, from all of it for labour-only work down to a smaller share for hired equipment.

What a clearance certificate is

A clearance certificate states that an employer is in good standing. It is valid only to its date of issue or for the period WorkSafeNB specifies, so check it at hiring and again before payments.

Homeowners

WorkSafeNB's residential guidance says a homeowner who hires an independent business is a customer, not an employer, but could be held responsible for its premiums if the business is not registered and paying. Check the contractor's clearance using the business name or WorkSafeNB employer number.

Safety on your project

WorkSafeNB says that when you hire a contractor who employs workers on your site, the Occupational Health and Safety Act applies to your home as a project site, with primary responsibility for workers' safety on their employer.

Ask before work starts

For questions about a specific job, WorkSafeNB's assessment services can be reached by phone; the number is on its website.

Prevention Checklist

• Ask for the contractor's WorkSafeNB employer number.
• Check the clearance certificate before work starts.
• Check again before final payment.
• Keep the certificate with your contract.
• Remember OHS rules apply to your home as a project site.

References

1. WorkSafeNB. Policy: Assessable Earnings, Web page, Principal liability; labour percentages. Accessed 2026-11-01.
2. WorkSafeNB. Policy 23-500: Payment of Employer Assessments, Web page, Clearance certificate definition and validity. Accessed 2026-11-01.
3. WorkSafeNB. Residential construction and renovation projects, Web page, Homeowners as customers; checking clearance. Accessed 2026-11-01.

Next on ArtBuild