Alberta Certificate of Recognition (COR)
Q: What is a Certificate of Recognition and what are the benefits of obtaining one?A Certificate of Recognition (COR) is a document issued jointly by a Certifying Partner (e.g., ENFORM, Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA), Manufacturers’ Health and Safety Association (MHSA)) and Alberta Human Resources and Employment, Workplace Partnerships (AHRE). The COR recognizes that an employer’s health and safety management system has been evaluated by a certified auditor and has been found to meet the Partnerships' standard.
The benefits of achieving and maintaining a COR, in addition to the health and safety workplace benefits, include the potential to earn financial rebates through the Partners in Injury Reduction (PIR) program offered by the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB). It is also not unusual for Alberta corporations to expect bidding contractors to hold a valid COR.
Q: How do I acquire a COR, and how long will it take?
To obtain a COR, employers are required to take the following steps:
-
Contact a Certifying Partner;
-
Develop and implement a health and safety management system that meets the Partnerships' standard (this usually requires taking training with the Certifying Partner);
-
Select an appropriate audit instrument recognized by the Certifying Partner;
-
Select an external auditor acceptable to the Certifying Partner;
-
Have an audit completed, and achieve a pass mark (not less than 80% overall with not less than 50% in any one element);
- Submit the audit to the Certifying Partner for quality assurance review; and
- If the audit meets quality assurance standards, request that the Certifying Partner issue a COR.
If an employer already has a comprehensive health and safety management system in place, the time required to obtain a COR could be less than three months. For those establishing a new system, the amount of time required to complete the process could be twelve months or more.
Q: What is a health and safety audit?
The health and safety audit is a comprehensive review of an employer's health and safety management system. To qualify for a COR, an audit must be carried out by a certified external auditor. An audit typically covers the basic elements of a health and safety management system and can include personnel interviews, documentation review, and workplace observation.
When arranging for an audit, employers should ask about the auditor's qualifications and experience and establish a cost estimate for the entire process (including a written report and recommendations). Employers should request references and check with previous clients as to the level of satisfaction.
Q: How long is the COR valid and how do I maintain it?
The COR is valid for three years from the date of issue, providing that all maintenance requirements are met. To maintain a COR, an employer is required to have a maintenance audit conducted within the first calendar year after the COR issue date and again within the second calendar year. Maintenance audits must be undertaken by a certified auditor who may be an employee of the Company. Maintenance audits are subject to the same quality assurance review as external audits.
Note: Employers are expected to maintain their health and safety management system at all times and to comply with applicable Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Significant infractions may result in a requirement for further audits of an employer's health and safety management system in order to maintain the validity of their COR.
Q: How do I renew my COR?
To renew a COR, an employer must arrange for an external audit and have it completed and reviewed by a Certifying Partner prior to the COR expiration date. The same standard for a passing mark is required to renew a COR as to acquire a COR - usually not less than 80% overall with not less than 50% in any one element.
Was your question answered? Do you have more questions? Need advice?
Contact Us.
