How to get COR safety certification in BC

COR, the Certificate of Recognition, is the safety certification BC public buyers ask about most. Some tenders require it; more give it points or ask whether you have it. It also earns an annual WorkSafeBC incentive for eligible employers. It isn't quick, though, so it's worth knowing what's involved before you start.

What is COR?

COR recognizes employers whose health and safety management system meets an audited standard. WorkSafeBC runs the program, and certifying partners deliver it for their industries. For construction and many related trades, that's the BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA). Other sectors have their own certifying partners, so check which one fits your work.

There are two sizes:

• Small COR, for companies with 19 or fewer employees.
• Large COR, for companies with 20 or more.

How do I get Small COR?

The BCCSA sets out these steps for Small COR:

1. Apply. Fill in and submit the BCCSA COR application form.
2. Train an internal auditor. A permanent employee takes the BCCSA's two-day COR Internal Auditor Training course. That person becomes your company's qualified internal auditor.
3. Build your safety system to meet the Small COR audit standard. This is the real work: written policies, hazard assessments, safe work procedures, training records, inspections, incident investigation, and proof that you actually do all of it.
4. Do the certification audit. You need at least 80 percent overall and at least 50 percent in each element.
5. Submit the audit to the BCCSA for quality assurance.
6. Get your certificate. It's valid for three years as long as you complete the yearly maintenance audits.
7. Do a maintenance audit each year. Your qualified internal auditor can do it.
8. Re-certify in year four with a new audit, at the same 80 and 50 percent pass marks.

Large COR follows a similar path, but the certification audit is done by a BCCSA-qualified external auditor.

How long does it take?

Longer than most people expect. The audit looks for evidence that your program has been running, not just written. The BCCSA says you need at least six months of records, and some companies need up to 18 months to put every element in place. If a big tender you want is closing in two months, COR won't be ready for it. Start now for next year's bids.

Is COR worth it for a small crew?

Usually, if you plan to bid on public work regularly:

• It wins points. RFPs often score safety, and a COR is the cleanest proof you can offer.
• It opens doors. Some buyers and general contractors only use COR-certified firms for certain work.
• It pays. Eligible employers can receive an annual WorkSafeBC incentive of 10 percent of their premiums, with a minimum amount for small businesses.
• It makes your crew safer. Which is the point, and which also makes your insurance and WorkSafeBC record look better over time.

If you only bid occasionally and your buyers don't ask about it, a solid written safety program may be enough for now. Many tenders ask "do you have a written safety program?" rather than "do you have COR?"

What if I don't have COR yet?

Answer honestly and show what you do have: your written safety program, your training records, your incident history, and the date you expect to be certified if you've started. Evaluators score what's in front of them, and a clear, specific answer beats a vague one.

Where to go next

Read the paperwork BC public buyers ask for for the full list, and WorkSafeBC coverage for contractors for the registration side.