The Importance of Hiring a Towing Service in Edmonton That Possesses Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Good Morning!  This is the eighth artice of our 10 part series. When it comes to towing, there are many risks involved. In addition to the physical risks associated with the job, there are also potential liabilities if something goes wrong. That’s why it’s important to hire a towing service in Edmonton that possesses workers’ compensation insurance for towing and roadside assistance.  This week we’ll discuss the importance of workers’ compensation insurance for heavy towing and why you should look for a company that possesses it.

Okay, it’s morning, it’s early, so grab a coffee and warm up into this.  Let me take a moment to bang our drum here at Tuber Towing.  While many towing services in the province are operating legally, there are almost as many smaller companies that some may refer to as ‘fly by night,’ and these are the ones you want to avoid.  When you think sleezy car salesman, that is the category to lump those uninsured towing companies into.  By choosing a towing service like Tuber Towing, you know you are protected.  Tuber takes great pride it carrying the highest level of insurance and ensuring that our team is covered with the appropriate ‘Workers Compensation’ insurance.  We even go that one extra step and make sure any time we must interact with another towing service, we ensure their staff have WCB coverage or we refuse to cross paths.

Why Check WCB?

A few weeks ago we talked about How to Check a Towing Company’s Safety Reputation where we lightly covered the thought around workers compensation insurance (WCB).  Many people and business’ don’t realize that THEY are on the hook (pun intended) should someone get injured while working for them.  This can be circumvented by checking and validating their status prior to engaging in any work with them.

How to Check WCB?

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.

Now that you understand the significance of workers’ compensation insurance and how to verify a towing company’s compliance, let’s delve into why it’s essential to hire a towing service in Edmonton that possesses this coverage.

Protection for Workers:

Workers’ compensation insurance provides crucial protection for the employees of a towing company. In an industry as physically demanding and potentially hazardous as towing, accidents and injuries can occur. With workers’ compensation coverage, employees receive medical benefits, wage replacement, and rehabilitation support if they get injured while performing their duties. This coverage not only ensures their well-being but also demonstrates that the towing company values its workforce.

Liability Mitigation:

By hiring a towing service with workers’ compensation insurance, you protect yourself from potential liabilities. If an uninsured worker sustains an injury on your property or while providing towing or roadside assistance services, you could be held responsible for their medical expenses and lost wages. This can lead to significant financial and legal consequences. However, when you engage a towing service that possesses workers’ compensation coverage, you can rest assured that any workplace injuries are covered under the policy, minimizing your liability.

Professionalism and Commitment to Safety:

A towing company that invests in workers’ compensation insurance showcases its professionalism and commitment to safety. It demonstrates that they prioritize the well-being of their employees and take the necessary steps to mitigate risks. By choosing a towing service with this coverage, you align yourself with a company that values safety and operates responsibly.

At Tuber Towing, we are proud to carry workers’ compensation insurance for all our team members. We understand the physical demands of the towing industry and the importance of protecting our employees. We believe that by prioritizing their safety and well-being, we can deliver exceptional service to our customers with peace of mind.

In conclusion, when hiring a towing service in Edmonton, don’t overlook the importance of workers’ compensation insurance. It not only safeguards the employees but also protects you from potential liabilities. Remember to verify a company’s WCB clearance to ensure compliance with the Workers’ Compensation Act. By choosing a towing service like Tuber Towing, you can trust that our team is fully covered, and you can confidently rely on our professional and safe services.

Next week, in the ninth article of our series, we’ll discuss the benefits of choosing a towing service with a diverse fleet of vehicles to cater to various towing needs. Stay tuned for more valuable insights and tips from Tuber Towing!

(Note: Please ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided by checking the current guidelines and regulations pertaining to workers’ compensation insurance in your area.)