Question 1

What is the Certificate of Recognition (COR) and why is it important for my business?

Accepted Answer

COR is a nationally recognized accreditation program in occupational health and safety that certifies the implementation of a comprehensive management system. It is a recognition program for employers, auditing their health and safety practices to decrease workplace incidents and associated costs.

The accreditation is endorsed by the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA).

Question 2

How can my business qualify for the Certificate of Recognition (COR)?

Accepted Answer

There are training, documentation, and program-specific activities throughout the 12 months before the audits.

To qualify, a company must hold valid coverage from the Worker’s Compensation Board in their province and be in good standing. The employer should have a functioning health and safety program and be able to show records for at least one year.

Question 3

How long does it take to obtain the Certificate of Recognition (COR) and what is the process involved?

Accepted Answer

If a company does not have a health and safety program in place, it may take 12 months or more to acquire the required documentation.

After the initial audit to achieve COR, there are maintenance audits that must be completed each of the following two years. In the following year, there will be a re-certification audit that will provide a new COR Certificate.

Certification Audit ==> Maintenance audit ==> Maintenance Audit ==> Recertification Audit

Question 4

How is the program administered, and who conducts the audits?

Accepted Answer

The COR program is administered in partnership with the employer. This means that the employer needs to implement and conduct specific activities much like any health and safety program. In addition, they must complete any required training throughout the audit process.

Audits are also conducted by external auditors, approved by the certifying partner, to achieve COR.

Question 5

What is the difference between COR and SECOR?

Accepted Answer

A SECOR (Small Employer Certificate of Recognition) is for businesses that have up to 10 employees in Alberta and up to 20 employees in BC. To achieve a SECOR, you are required to conduct a self-assessment of your health and safety management system, and then have the assessment reviewed by your certifying partner.

A COR is for larger businesses. Getting a COR requires an audit of your health and safety management system by an external auditor. The audit is then reviewed by your certifying partner.

Ontario, which only has COR, uses a COR 2020 version. Alberta and BC adhere to a 2015 version.

Question 6

What are the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining a Certificate of Recognition (COR)?

Accepted Answer

COR costs can depend on several factors such as your business size and the kind of health & safety program you have. Training fees, audit fees, and any changes or improvements to meet COR standards are some costs to expect. Once you are certified, maintaining COR also involves annual audits and program maintenance expenses.