As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining a safe property for any worker who may enter it – for example, postal carriers, homecare workers or contractors.

No. Workers compensation protects employers against lawsuits related to workplace injuries or illnesses. This protection does not apply to a homeowner who hires a contractor and you are not protected by a contractor’s WCB coverage if a worker is injured on your property. Either the contractor or the WCB may sue you (or your insurance provider) if the injury was due to the state of your property.

If a contractor files a claim with us about a work-related injury that occurred on your property, we may sue you to cover some or all of the costs. If the contractor decides not to report the injury to us, they can sue you directly for lost wages or healthcare costs related to the injury.

To protect yourself:

  • make sure you have liability insurance for your property and that it is up-to-date
  • make sure your property is safe for any worker who may enter it – clear walkways and stairs of ice and snow; make sure stairs and handrails are sturdy
  • if someone is injured on your property, contact your insurer immediately.