WHAT IS COR?

The Certificate of Recognition (COR) is an occupational health and safety program accreditation for employers aimed at reducing the human and financial costs associated with workplace accidents and injuries. COR is rapidly becoming the key criteria in the legislated requirement to evaluate, select and monitor contractors. It is used as a pre-qualification requirement for contractors working in and out of provinces and territories of Canada. COR is the highest distinction available to contractors, verifying a fully implemented and effective health and safety program that meets the national standards.

Trademarked and endorsed by participating members of the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA), the Northern Safety Association is the only authority having jurisdiction to grant COR in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The NSA practices the utmost diligence to ensure that the standards of the nationally recognized COR program are being upheld.

The COR Certificate is issued by the NSA to successful companies, and the privileges associated with the COR program administered by NSA are dependent on performance and will be revoked for failure to maintain the standards required.

COR is valid for three years providing the company maintains their eligibility in the program, training elements are maintained and auditing standards are maintained annually (minimum 50% in each element and minimum 80% overall). A Letter of Good Standing is issued annually to following validate the company's program is being maintained to COR standards (audit results).

• Completion of three training modules (Principles of Health and Safety Management; Leadership for Safety Excellence; Auditor Training)

• Development of a company health and safety program (manual)

• Implementation of a company health and safety program

• Audit by the company (generally 3-6 months after the health and safety program implementation)

• External Audit (External auditors are selected by the Northern Safety Association)