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Safety Third? How to Check a Towing Company’s Safety Reputation!

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Safety Third? How to Check a Towing Company’s Reputation!

Broken down jeep on yellowhead that needs a tow truck

When you need a towing company, safety should be your top priority. Choosing the right company can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and secure experience. This guide will walk you through the process of hiring a reliable towing company by checking their safety records and Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) clearance. We’ll show you how to utilize resources like the Employer Records website and the WCB website to make an informed decision.

There’s so much information on the internet today. Sometimes it’s hard to determine what’s true and what is not.  Fortunately both the Alberta Government and Workers Compensation Board of Alberta have websites that make their reports and information available to the public.  Now you can make an Informed Decision when looking for companies to use!

Check out our other post where we talk about COR which involves insurance and safety heavily HERE.

Step 1: Check the Company’s Safety Records on the Employer Records Website

Before hiring a towing company, it’s essential to check their safety records. This will give you an idea of their commitment to safety and help you avoid potential hazards. To do this, you can visit the Employer Records website (https://extern.labour.alberta.ca/ohs-employer-search/occupational-health-safety/employer-records-search.asp).

On this website, you can search for a company by their name or their Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) account number. The search results will display important information about the company, such as their injury records and any Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) orders placed against them. By reviewing this data, you can ensure that the towing company you’re considering has a strong safety record.

To note, you have to search for their ‘legal’ name, and for reference, ours is Tuber Transport Inc. for complete clarity.  Go ahead, check us out. 🙂

Step 2: Verify the Company’s WCB Clearance

In addition to checking a company’s safety records, it’s crucial to confirm their WCB clearance. This will ensure that the towing company has proper insurance coverage and is in good standing with the Workers’ Compensation Board.

To check a company’s WCB clearance, you can visit the WCB website (https://decc.wcb.ab.ca/Clearance/RequestClearance.aspx).  Under the heading “I’m hiring a company and need clearance on their account”  By entering the company’s name or WCB account number, you can quickly determine if they are in compliance with WCB regulations.

If the company name doesn’t come up, it means they DO NOT HAVE WCB.  If their name comes up, that doesn’t confirm verification.  You need to proceed to next step and read the clearance letter.

A company that doesn’t pass, their letter will look like this:

Thank you for checking into the status of this contractor or subcontractor. Under Section 126 of the Workers’ Compensation Act, you are responsible for obtaining a clearance on your contractor or subcontractor, in order to release you from any liability for unpaid WCB premiums owed by them.

At this time, we cannot issue a clearance for the above named. You should maintain sufficient holdback to offset any liability you may have. If you would like help to determine the possible amount of your liability, please call WCB-Alberta at (780) 498-3999.

A company (Tuber Towing) will have a letter with this information:

Thank you for checking into the status of this contractor or subcontractor. Under Section 126 of the Workers’ Compensation Act, you are responsible for obtaining a clearance on your contractor or subcontractor, in order to release you from any liability for unpaid WCB premiums owed by them. Please ensure clearance has been issued in the correct name and that there is coverage in the industry(jes) for which work was performed.

Please accept this letter as a clearance for work completed between the effective date of the account and the date of this letter. For this account, you are cleared of any liability under Section 126 of the Workers’ Compensation Act up to the date of this letter. Any holdback may be released for contracts completed, and/or for work completed to the date of this letter. For an account that shows closed under the effective date, the clearance is only valid for work completed up to the close date. If work has not started, obtain a clearance prior to releasing final payment.

Please note, if any directors of the corporation are injured at work, you are protected from lawsuit if they have personal coverage. If they do not have personal coverage, you may not be protected in the case of a workplace injury.

Note that in both letters, Section 126 is referenced which ensures this is legally binding and means the company, and you have a legal responsiblity to ensure the employees and yourself are protected when hiring them.

Step 3: Consider Other Factors When Choosing a Towing Company

While safety records and WCB clearance are essential factors in choosing a reliable towing company, there are other aspects to consider as well. These include:

  • Experience: A company with years of experience in the industry is more likely to provide quality service and have well-trained staff.
  • Customer Reviews: Read online reviews to gain insight into the company’s customer service and overall satisfaction.
  • Services Offered: Ensure that the towing company provides the specific services you require, such as flatbed towing, roadside assistance, or long-distance towing.
  • Response Time: A quick response time is crucial in emergency situations. Choose a company that offers 24/7 availability and rapid response times.
  • Pricing: Compare pricing among different towing companies to ensure you’re getting a fair and competitive rate.

Conclusion:

Hiring the right towing company is crucial for a safe and seamless towing experience. By checking the company’s safety records on the Employer Records website and verifying their WCB clearance, you can make an informed decision about which towing company to trust. Additionally, considering factors such as experience, customer reviews, services offered, response time, and pricing will help you find a reliable towing company that prioritizes safety and customer satisfaction.