COR Certification: Five Benefits for Businesses

Employers should take every precaution to improve the health and safety of their workers not only to ensure compliance, but also to protect them from avoidable injuries. Provincial Occupational Health & Safety agencies have legislation and programs in place to mitigate against worker accidents and injuries. One such program that can be especially effective for protecting workers is the Certificate of Recognition (COR).

What is the COR certification?

The Certificate of Recognition (COR) program is a business management system for employers that aids in keeping them compliant with health & safety regulations and reducing risk.  The system involves the use of policies, procedures, training, management processes, and records that align with the standard and OHS legislations. COR is endorsed by the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA) and is essential for businesses in construction, civil, and oil & gas industries.

Why is COR important?

There are several benefits to having a COR certification, some of which include:

1.      A COR certification shows that a business upholds the highest health & safety standards. In construction industries, having a COR certification increases the chances of success when bidding on government contracts and projects.

2.      COR-certified businesses can get rebates on compensation board rates (20% in Alberta and 15% in Ontario).

3.      Your corporate and business image will benefit greatly from having a COR-certified business as it shows your business’ commitment to health & safety.

4.      Businesses that are registered with COR have higher compliance rates since members of COR are endorsed by the CFCSA.

5.      Some industries and markets require a mandatory COR certification for suppliers and workers. Having the certification ensures a fair shot of entering the market.

How does the COR certification work?

Getting and remaining COR certified involves undergoing and passing a certification audit every three years. An internal maintenance audit must be completed to remain compliant in years two and three of the certification. Upon completion, a letter of good standing is issued to the business once they pass the audit.

There are two versions of the COR certification:

SECOR – For smaller-sized businesses (less than 10 employees in Alberta and less than 20 employees in British Columbia).

COR – The COR certification varies across provinces. However, Alberta and British Columbia use a 2015 version, while Ontario uses a 2020 version.

What are the key differences between COR and ISO certification? 

The ISO and COR certification were both designed to help improve Occupational Health and Safety practices in the workplace. Both standards have been proven effective at reducing workplace injury and illnesses, employers may find one more suitable based on their needs. While both certifications are similar, ISO is internationally recognized, and COR is mainly recognized in Canada.  

Is it difficult to get COR Certified?

The process of getting COR certified involves quite a few moving parts which can feel overwhelming. The COR certification process involves:

• Registering and completing an application
• Completing the mandatory training
• Conducting internal audits to ensure compliance
• Arranging for third-party external certifying partner audit
• Receiving the certificate of registration once all the requirements are met
• Continuous improvements and updates to remain COR-certified

Do subcontractors need to be COR-certified? 

One of the primary goals of all employers should be keeping their workers safe from injury and harm. The only way to achieve this is by ensuring that all workers are aware of the OHS regulations and having a robust workplace safety program in place.  

Subcontractors are expected to adhere to the general contractor’s health and safety program and legislation. Having COR demonstrates that a subcontractor has the required programs in place. In some cases, subcontractors will need COR to bid and work on some jobs. 

Can a company lose its COR certification? 

A COR certification is not a permanent fixture in an employer’s portfolio. Having a valid COR requires employers to be audited yearly to ensure the COR standards are being adhered to. There are a number of factors that could cause an employer to lose their COR certification. This includes:  

• Not completing an annual required audit - This could be a maintenance or recertifying audit. 
• Failing an audit - If an employer fails the external COR audit, the certifying partner will inform the employer in writing of areas that require improvement. The employer will then have up to 6 months to confirm that the adjustments and improvements have been implemented. A re-audit may then be required to reinstate the COR certification.  
• A serious workplace incident - This could lead to a review of the business’ OHS program by the regulator. If the program is found insufficient, the COR certification can be revoked.  

It is in an employer’s best interest to maintain OHS systems diligently to avoid the certification being revoked.  

Need help to get COR certified?

Our expert consultants will help you prepare to get COR certified and pass the audits. We offer staff training, internal audits, on-site consultation, 24/7 advice line, and more, to keep you compliant. Speak to an expert today by calling 1(833)247-3652 to get started.