Question 1

What is a COR?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Recognition (COR) is a government-approved safety program that awards employers who develop a Health and Safety Management System that meets established provincial standards. It is often a requirement to qualify for contracts in high-risk industries such as construction and energy.

Question 2

Who issues a COR?

Accepted Answer

A COR is issued by the provincial governments in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan and are co-signed by a Certifying Partner.
Recently the COR program has expanded to other provinces and territories but is offered by a limited number of Certifying Partners.
In Alberta, the WCB Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR) program administered by Alberta Human Services issues the certificates and they are co-signed by Certifying Partners.

Question 3

Why do you want a COR?

Accepted Answer

To improve your current Safety Program and to raise safety awareness within your company.
Your COR is a great Marketing tool and provides a competitive advantage.
Most large oil and gas companies and prime contractors require their contractors to have a COR as part of their. Contractor Safety Pre-Qualification process. This is because they want to manage their own risks and they want to work with companies who have a proven safety program.
COR certified companies have seen a 60% decrease in disabling injury rates since 2006.
COR certified companies have seen a decreasing occupational fatality rate since 2006, compared to an increasing fatality rate for non-COR employers.
In some provinces, employers who reduce their claim costs below predicted targets and achieve a COR can earn up to 20 per cent off their WCB industry rate.

Question 4

Who are the Certifying Partners?

Accepted Answer

There are 14 safety associations in Alberta that partner with WCB. Those representing the largest number of companies include:
Alberta Association for Safety Partnerships
Alberta Construction Safety Association
Alberta Motor Transport Association
Energy Safety Canada
Manufacturers' Health & Safety Association

Question 5

How does the process work?

Accepted Answer

Put your Safety Program in place, train workers, implement procedures.
Join the Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR) program by completing a PIR registration form.
One full year of records (Safety meetings, Inspections, Incident Reports, Investigations, Emergency Drills etc.) are required to qualify for a Three (3) year COR.
A One Year COR may be issued when an employer is new to the COR program and their safety management system is less than a year old, however, the provincial governing bodies and the certifying partner must jointly approve a One Year COR.
A Three (3) Year COR is the “standard” certification that involves a three year cycle. Year one involves a Certification Audit by an External Auditor. Years two and three require Maintenance Audits by a company certified Internal Auditor or by an External Auditor.
Call Professional Safety & Audit Services for a certified auditor.

Question 6

How long does the COR audit process take?

Accepted Answer

The timeline for a COR audit depends on your current safety practices and readiness. We work with you to ensure the process is as efficient as possible, with most businesses achieving certification in a few months.