Between July 29 and Aug. 2, 2019, Black Gold participated in a COR audit to renew its certificate demonstrating that it has a successful health and safety system in place. This year was Black Gold’s qualifying year meaning that rather than simply maintaining its COR from previous years, the company had to participate in a full-scale recertification audit.
What is a COR certification?
A COR is a certificate of recognition that is awarded to employers who implement sufficient safety programs within their workplace. The certificate program originated in Alberta over 20 years ago and has since gained significant traction across the country. In the past, the program was most commonly used in construction; however, it is quickly crossing industries. In order to achieve the COR, an employer’s program must meet pre-established standards that are assessed in an audit. For Black Gold, receiving the COR means its safety system has been evaluated by an official and it meets the standards that are set out in Alberta by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).
The COR is valid for three years following certification and must be maintained in the two years after the issue date. In these two years, the company can maintain its COR through a number of different tactics that are all approved and held to a standard by Energy Safety Canada (i.e. action pans and safety surveys). During these years, Black Gold participates in annual maintenance audits.
What does a COR Audit involve?
At minimum, a COR audit involves the following three components:
How does an employer get awarded a COR?
To achieve a COR, the employer must score at least 80 per cent in the overall audit, with a minimum of 50 per cent in the three main categories listed above. If a pass is achieved during the audit, the Government of Alberta will sign and issue the employer the certificate. The COR is valid for up to three years; however, employers must participate in miniature audits and check-ins throughout those three years.
How is a COR maintained?
For two years following certification, the participating company must complete an audit or an alternative that has been approved by Energy Safety Canada. Either of these options involve the evaluation of the company’s operations and reach a full-audit standard.
What is the significance of a COR?
By participating in an audit and achieving a COR, employers are inadvertently encouraging positive and safe behaviour in the workplace. For Black Gold, participation in the COR audit simply reinstates the company’s commitment to safety practices, which is significant as a member in the safety industry. Not only does the certificate prove Black Gold’s enthusiasm for safety, it also attracts like-minded employees and cliens and reveals missing pieces in the company’s safety system that can foster opportunity for improvement.
The reputation that accompanies the achievement of a COR is significant. Employers who hold the certificate qualify higher than employers who do not. Qualified employee candidates are more likely to seek out the company that has achieved the certificate over the ones who have not, as are potential clients who share the same values.
To learn more about the COR, follow the links below:
http://www.energysafetycanada.com/cor/howtogetacor/overview.cfm
https://www.ecompliance.com/blog/cor-program/
https://www.alberta.ca/get-certificate-recognition.aspx
http://www.youracsa.ca/cor-secor/cor-process/
