SECOR
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Contents
SECOR Process
SECOR is an option available for companies with ten employees or fewer, including shareholders, who are committed to health and occupational safety.
To obtain the certification, the company must commit to implementing new strategies and improvements related to employee well-being, specifically taking health and safety measures. Companies are required to have at least one year of documented implementation of the implemented system.
About SECOR
The Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR) offers various benefits as it aims to incentivize companies to be safer and reduce workplace incidents.
The benefits it provides include:
Economic benefit:
Companies that choose to obtain the certificate are eligible to participate in a prevention rebate, which refers to a 15% refund of the assessment premium by the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). This can result in significant savings for employers committed to the safety and health of their employees.
Benefit of recognition in the market:
Although certification is not mandatory, it has become an important aspect for evaluating companies. Clients can assess the growth commitment and values of companies and prefer those with a SECOR. Certified companies are perceived as having a higher level of commitment and responsibility in the field, and clients are attracted to receiving services backed by a good safety system.
Environmental Care:
By implementing changes in occupational safety management, companies also contribute to the protection of the community surrounding the company, thus achieving responsible management strategies to enhance Canada’s energy security.
What are SECOR requirements?
Decrease of incidents
By implementing an improved health and safety system, there is a reduction in accidents, injuries, and work absences, leading to increased productivity.
Improved work environment
Employees feel cared for and valued when all necessary safety systems are in place to preserve their well-being. This fosters greater willingness to work, and it attracts qualified professionals to support the company’s expansion.
Choosing and investing in obtaining a SECOR is a significant step that positions employers at an important level of development, opening doors to various opportunities.
Learn more about SECOR certification Required courses
Steps to Obtain a SECOR
To obtain a SECOR, the first requirement is a commitment to achieving it. The following steps are:
Health and Safety Preparation:
The company needs to have up-to-date information on health practices. During this preparation, it is advisable to consider the implementation of a specialist in the field, a permanent employee who can handle health techniques and implement them into the company’s daily routine.
The valid preparation to obtain the SECOR is based on three essential workshops: Safety Management Principles, Train the Trainer (or new department leader), and Internal Safety Audit.
Implementing Changes:
After acquiring the basic knowledge related to health and safety, the personnel responsible for the department must find ways to implement these changes and suggestions into a safety program to be followed by all employees.
Implementing these new rules, regulations, and considerations may face resistance, but there are strategies to encourage employees to comply with the changes, as well as other leadership courses that can facilitate this step.
Conducting a Self-Assessment:
To achieve this, the company must register under a valid system in its jurisdiction, which includes the data from the internal audit. This process also evaluates the company’s safety conditions, and based on the score obtained, the next steps will be taken.
Requesting an External Evaluation:
An external audit is requested from the relevant jurisdiction’s authority. In this evaluation process, an external agent visits the company to observe, analyze, and rate the company’s health and safety program.
The evaluation follows a specific and standardized process in which a minimum score of 80% must be obtained in total. It is a kind of quality assurance. This audit is conducted once a year, and it is recommended for companies to have more than one year of proven system implementation to show to the auditor.
However, in the case of SECOR, companies that have a minimum of three months’ worth of documents and policies that can be used for the audit are eligible to receive a one-year certification.
Submitting your evaluation
The result of the evaluation is sent by the external auditor to the corresponding jurisdiction’s office for further assessment and approval. If the audit is approved, the certificate can be received within a period of three months.
SECOR Continuing Education
The intention of implementing this incentive is to minimize risks and workplace accidents, that is, to create an interest among companies to make spaces safer in various aspects.
To achieve this purpose, the idea of continuous improvement is maintained. Companies must continue learning and growing in the field of occupational health and safety, as this is how the rate of workplace accidents in Canada will be reduced over time.
There is an ideal education program for managers and/or those in charge of the health and safety department. They can learn to implement provincial regulations, safety manuals, and effective health practices to prevent injuries in the workplace. Additionally, leadership techniques are taught to achieve the commitment of all members within the company.
SECOR Assessor
An assessor is considered to be an external auditor who has the necessary knowledge and experience to make ideal recommendations for implementing effective changes in managing the company’s health and safety.
Auditors are part of a company that functions as certification partners and play a fundamental role in the assessment of SECOR. They simplify the work of government departments by issuing reviews to achieve the approved level.
Through the SECOR Assessor, you can achieve clear communication about what is required to obtain your certification, including documents, maintenance audits, and changes that may be essential for qualification or maintaining the certification. This role is necessary for obtaining the SECOR for the first time and also for renewing it annually.
It is worth noting that once a year, the auditor will request all documentation related to safety meetings, regulations, policies, inspections, etc.
Legislation Requirements by Industry
Legislation covers specific industries at the federal or provincial level. The conditions, norms, and laws that apply to a company depend on its industry.
At the federal level, we find private sectors such as air transportation, banks, postal services, radio broadcasters, etc. In the public sector, federal public service and parliament are regulated.
Other sectors are governed by the legislation of their province, which is the territory where their work is located. For example, the Alberta Construction Safety Association regulates various safety aspects in this province. If you have any questions about the requirements, you can consult the labor code of the corresponding jurisdiction.
Auditor Training Program (ATP)
Auditor Training Program (ATP) Course
It is a three-day Virtual Instructor-Led course.
It is designed for individuals who will be evaluating the effectiveness of a company’s health and safety management system.
Participants will be shown how to assess systems against the Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR) standard.
This is a two-tiered program that consists of a three-day course (Certificate of Completion) and a voluntary Qualification Audit submission (Certified Peer Auditor Certificate).
Auditor Training Program Course Topics
- Introduction to audit instruments and the COR process
- Roles and responsibilities of auditors and auditees
- Review of the ACSA Audit Tool
- Auditing skills and sampling
- Steps in the audit process
- Auditor certification and self-qualification audit processes
Auditor Training Program Certification
Participants must achieve a minimum score of 80% on an open book, online test as well as demonstrate an understanding of the practical auditing procedure by participating in the activities completed in the virtual classroom.
- Certified Peer Auditor Certificate
Participants may submit a qualification/self-audit (individually conducted) within 66 days after completing the three-day course. If the qualification/self-audit is approved by the ACSA COR department, the participant will be considered a certified auditor.
It is a requirement for Active NCSO’s to become certified auditors. It is also a requirement for COR companies to have a full-time certified auditor on staff.
Auditor Training Program Prerequisites
Principles of Health and Safety Management (PHSM)
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