Getting a Certificate of Recognition (COR) is an essential step for companies in demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. The COR certification process involves several stages, each designed to ensure that the company has implemented an effective health and safety management system.
The first step in obtaining COR certification is understanding its requirements. This typically includes developing and implementing a health and safety program that meets established standards. The program should cover areas such as hazard identification, risk assessment, incident investigation, emergency response planning, worker training, and management commitment.
Once your company has developed its health and safety program, the next step is to conduct an internal audit. This process allows you to assess your program’s effectiveness and identify any areas that may need improvement. It involves reviewing all aspects of your health and safety system, including policies, procedures, records, practices on the ground level.
After conducting an internal audit comes the external audit phase. An external auditor certified by the relevant certifying partner performs this stage. They will review your company’s health & safety management system independently to verify if it complies with COR standards or not.
The results from both audits are then submitted to a certifying partner who reviews them for completeness and accuracy before issuing a letter of certification if everything checks find out fine.
Upon receiving this letter of certification from the certifying partner signifies that you have successfully completed all steps required for obtaining COR Certification – congratulations! But remember: A certificate isn’t just something you hang on a wall; it’s proof that your organization values employee well-being above all else.
However, getting COR certified doesn’t mean it’s over there; maintaining compliance is equally important as achieving it initially was. Regular internal audits should be conducted at least annually or more frequently depending upon changes within operations or significant incidents occurring at workplaces.
Moreover, re-certification audits are also required every three years by most jurisdictions across Canada where COR originated but now being recognized globally too because of its high standards. This re-certification audit is similar to the initial external audit conducted for COR certification.
The benefits of obtaining a COR are numerous and can significantly impact your company’s bottom line. Not only does it demonstrate that your company values safety, but it can also lead to lower insurance premiums, improved employee morale, and increased business opportunities as many clients now require their contractors to have a COR.
In conclusion, while the process of obtaining a COR may seem daunting at first glance, with careful planning and commitment from all levels of the organization, it is an achievable goal. The rewards for achieving this standard in health & safety management far outweigh the effort required to get there – making it well worth every step taken towards getting certified.
