10 Part Series – The Importance of Hiring a Towing Service in Edmonton That Possesses Workers’ Compensation Insurance

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 is why it is important to hire a towing service in Edmonton with workers’ compensation insurance. It should cover towing and roadside assistance.  This week we will discuss why workers’ compensation insurance matters for heavy towing. We will also explain why you should choose a company that has 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 operate legally, almost as many smaller companies do not. Some people call them “fly-by-night” operators. These are the ones you should 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 in carrying the highest level of insurance. We also ensure our team is covered with the right Workers Compensation insurance.  We go one extra step. Any time we work with another towing service, we confirm their staff have WCB coverage. If they do not, we refuse to work with them.

Why Check WCB?

A few weeks ago, we talked about How to Check a Towing Company’s Safety Reputation. We also briefly covered 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. Under the heading “I’m hiring a company and need clearance on their account.” Enter the company’s name or WCB account number. You can quickly confirm if they comply 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 must obtain a clearance for your contractor or subcontractor. This clearance releases you from liability for any unpaid WCB premiums they owe. 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 must get a clearance for your contractor or subcontractor. This helps protect you from liability for any unpaid WCB premiums they owe. 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 not responsible under Section 126 of the Workers’ Compensation Act. This applies 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 corporate directors are injured at work, you are protected from a lawsuit. This applies 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. This makes the agreement legally binding. It means the company and you must protect employees and yourself when hiring Now that you know why workers’ compensation insurance matters, and how to check a towing company’s compliance, let’s look at why it is key. Hire an Edmonton towing service that has 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 can get medical benefits, wage replacement, and rehab support. This help is available if they are injured while doing their job. 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 a worker without insurance is injured on your property, you may be responsible. You may also be responsible if they are injured while providing towing or roadside assistance. You may need to pay their medical costs and lost wages. This can lead to significant financial and legal consequences. However, when you hire a towing service with workers’ compensation coverage, you can rest assured. Any workplace injuries are covered under the policy. This helps reduce 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 work with a company that values safety and acts 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 when we put their safety and well-being first, we can serve our customers well. This lets everyone feel safe and at ease. 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 our team is fully covered. You can rely on our safe, professional service with confidence. Next week, in the ninth article of our series, we will discuss the benefits of a towing service. We will focus on fleets with different vehicles to meet many towing needs. Stay tuned for more valuable insights and tips from Tuber Towing! (Note: Please confirm the information is accurate and relevant. Check current local rules and guidelines for workers’ compensation insurance.)