Liability Dangers In The “Gig” Economy
There has been a lot of media coverage in recent months regarding the “Gig Economy”. The Gig Economy is a trend towards individuals replacing traditional careers or jobs with “Gigs”, where they work several odd jobs or temporary jobs to earn a living. These jobs are often posted on sites such as Craigslist, Kijiji or Fivver.
While it may be cheaper to do so, hiring a gig contractor to complete work around your home could open you up for problems in the event that they are injured. These contractors will seldom have the appropriate insurance coverage, training, safety equipment, or WSIB coverage.
The lack of insurance and safety equipment can be particularly dangerous for homeowners looking to hire out spring cleaning work, such as cleaning windows, gutters, etc.
The Occupiers’ Liability Act requires that all landowners ensure not only that their premises are reasonably safe, but that the activities carried on at the property are reasonably safe in the circumstances.
In the case of hiring someone to perform work on your property, consider the type of work they are undertaking. In the event that the assistance you require is high risk (ie. climbing on your roof or being on a ladder for a prolonged period of time), you may wish to hire an established service provider.
When looking for a service provider, ensure that you ask for the following:
– Proof of insurance
– WSIB Number
– References
– Details on how they intend to complete the job
While the job will likely cost more, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that the workers are not putting themselves at unnecessary risk, and that you will be covered in the event of an injury.
If you are a worker in the Gig Economy and have been injured on the job, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.
About the Authors
The son of a grocery store clerk, Kevin grew up outside of Perth, Ontario. He credits his humble beginnings with the development of his underdog mentality, an approach he has carried into his legal career.
He attended McMaster University for two years before being granted early admission to Osgoode Hall Law School. After being called to the bar in 2008, Kevin began practising law in Hamilton before joining a leading Toronto litigation firm, representing Canada’s largest insurance companies on personal injury actions. “I didn’t find it fulfilling,” Kevin recalls. “I was helping companies save money, when what I wanted to do was help the people going up against these major corporations.” Since joining Oatley Vigmond, Kevin has used his insurance-industry experience to protect his clients and recover the compensation they deserved. He’d been at Oatley Vigmond for two months when he settled a matter for a client at a mediation. “You felt the burden of the litigation, and her injuries, lifting off her. I wanted to help even more people experience the relief of having their uncertainty lifted.’”