Maintaining COR (Certificate of Recognition) certification in workplace safety is essential for businesses that prioritize the well-being of their employees. The Certificate of Recognition is an accreditation given to employers who develop and implement health and safety management systems that meet established standards. This certificate not only demonstrates a company’s commitment to maintaining a safe work environment, but it also provides them with certain benefits such as reduced WCB premiums.
To maintain COR certification, there are several steps that companies need to follow diligently. The first step involves conducting regular internal audits. These audits evaluate the effectiveness of the company’s health and safety management system. They identify areas where improvements can be made and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
The frequency of these internal audits depends on the requirements set by your certifying partner; however, they are typically conducted annually or bi-annually. It’s crucial for companies to document all findings from these audits meticulously as this information will be required during external audits which are performed by certified auditors from your certifying partner.
Another critical aspect of maintaining COR certification is continuous improvement in your health and safety management system. Companies should not become complacent after achieving their initial certification; instead, they should strive for ongoing enhancement in their policies, procedures, training programs, hazard identification processes etc., based on audit findings, incident investigations or changes in legislation.
Training plays a vital role in maintaining COR certification as well. All employees must receive appropriate training related to their specific job tasks and potential hazards associated with them. Training needs to be updated regularly to accommodate any changes within the workplace or industry standards.
Furthermore, companies need to demonstrate active employee participation in their health & safety program which can be achieved through initiatives like forming joint Health & Safety committees or appointing worker representatives who actively participate in identifying hazards, developing safe work practices etc.
Lastly but importantly is record keeping – A comprehensive documentation process helps demonstrate due diligence if an incident occurs at your workplace while providing evidence of compliance during audits. This includes maintaining records for training, inspections, incident investigations, meetings and find out more.
In conclusion, maintaining COR certification is an ongoing process that requires commitment from the entire organization. It involves continuous improvement in health & safety practices, regular auditing, active employee participation and meticulous record keeping. By doing so, companies not only ensure a safer work environment but also gain recognition for their dedication to workplace safety.