COR Certification, short for Certificate of Recognition, is a nationally recognized program that assesses a company’s health and safety management systems. It aims to reduce incidents and injuries in the workplace by encouraging organizations to develop effective safety protocols. The certification is granted by certifying partners authorized by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) agencies.
The benefits of obtaining COR Certification are manifold. Firstly, it ensures that your organization meets provincial health and safety legislation requirements, thus avoiding legal complications down the line. Secondly, many clients prefer working with COR-certified companies due to their commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. This increases your competitiveness in the market as it serves as an assurance of quality service delivery.
Moreover, having COR Certification can lead to lower Workplace Compensation Insurance premiums since insurers recognize that certified companies have robust risk management systems in place. It also enhances overall employee morale because they know their employer values their well-being.
To qualify for COR Certification, certain requirements must be met by an organization. A comprehensive audit must be conducted on the company’s health and safety management system against established standards set out by OHS agencies. These standards encompass various aspects such as hazard identification, emergency response planning, worker see more competency training, incident investigation procedures among others.
Furthermore, not just any audit will suffice; it must be carried out either by an external auditor from a certifying partner or an internal auditor who has completed relevant training approved by OHS agencies.
Once these prerequisites are fulfilled and if the audit score reaches at least 80%, a Letter of Certification will be issued which remains valid for three years provided annual maintenance audits are done satisfactorily within this period.
The process towards achieving COR certification begins with registering your organization with a local certifying partner who will guide you through required steps including providing appropriate training resources for building up your health & safety program before undergoing the initial audit.
Next comes implementing what has been learned into everyday operations followed by self-evaluations to assess readiness for the official audit. Upon successful completion of this audit, you receive your COR Certification.
In conclusion, obtaining COR Certification is a worthwhile investment for any organization regardless of its size or industry. It not only helps meet legal compliance and offers financial benefits but also fosters a safer work environment leading to increased productivity and employee satisfaction. The certification process may appear daunting at first glance but with proper guidance from certifying partners, it becomes manageable and ultimately rewarding.
