What is a Certificate of Recognition and How to Prepare for a COR Audit?
A Certificate of Recognition (COR) is a key component of the Partnership in Injury Reduction (PIR) program in Alberta and is essential to receiving WCB Alberta premium reduction incentives. The PIR is a voluntary program where employer and worker representatives collaborate with government to create and maintain effective health and safety management systems.
A COR is awarded to employers to who develop and maintain health and safety programs that meet standards established by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). The management system is evaluated by a Certifying Partner of PIR, also known as a COR Audit, and if the standards are met, a COR is then issued by Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour and co-signed by the Certifying Partner.
Developing a health and safety management system may seem harder than it is. Most employers already have the basic foundation in place and only need to tweak or enhance established policies and procedures to meet the PIR standards. How to prepare for a COR audit comes down to making sure your health and safety management system is effective.
The 8 components of an effective health and safety management system are as follows:
- Identification and analysis of health and safety hazards at the work site
- Control measures to eliminate or reduce the risks to workers from hazards
- Clearly demonstrated management, commitment, and written company policies
- Worker competency and training
- Inspection program
- Emergency response planning
- Incident reporting and investigation
- Management system administration
Implementing a health and safety program is proactive way of identifying workplace risks and hazards thereby minimizing workplace accidents. Effective health and safety management systems have proven to have an impact on the reduction and seriousness of workplace injuries. By improving health and safety, the social and financial impact of workplace injuries and illnesses is also reduced.
Whether you are trying to achieve a COR or are preparing for an upcoming audit to renew your COR, most Certifying Partners offer consulting services and training to ensure your health and safety program meets COR Audit standards.
Should you have any questions or want additional information regarding the COR audit process or requirements, you can check out the WCB’s PIR brochure or you can connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin. You can reach us via email at [email protected], or contact us directly, during business hours, using our chat feature or by telephone at 1-844-377-9545.