Did you know companies in Alberta can save up to 10% on their WorkSafeBC premiums by becoming COR certified? A company with a $65,600 annual premium could save up to $6,560. By joining the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program, employers show they care about safety and get tax breaks. This helps keep their workers safe and healthy.
COR certification is good for your workers and your wallet. Employers who pass the Occupational Health and Safety COR audit can get a rebate of up to 10% on their WorkSafeBC premiums. This means if your company has a $3 million payroll, you could get $5,010 back. By focusing on safety and managing claims well, COR program members can also get extra discounts on insurance over time.
What is a Certificate of Recognition (COR)?
A Certificate of Recognition (COR) shows your company cares about safety and health at work. It means your health and safety plan has been checked by a certified expert. This makes your workplace safer and can lower your insurance costs. It also helps you stand out when bidding on projects.
There are 13 groups in Alberta that help with the COR program. They focus on different industries. They work with employers to make safety plans that fit their needs. Choosing the right group means getting help that’s just right for your business.
They’ll help you train your staff and guide you through the audit process. This is how you get your COR certification.
Eligibility Requirements for COR Certification
If you have 10 or fewer workers, you can get a Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR). This is a self-check of your safety plan. But, if you have more than 10 workers, you need a full audit for the standard COR.
Your company must have a WCB account in Alberta and be in the Construction or Construction Trade Services industry. If not, you can join the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) as an Associate Member. This gives you access to training and support for safety. The cost depends on how many workers you have, as shown below:
| Number of Employees | Annual Membership Fee |
|---|---|
| 1-10 | $500.00 + tax |
| 11+ | $750.00 + tax |
Certifying Partners in Alberta
Alberta has 13 groups that help with the COR program. They work in different industries. They help employers get certified by checking their safety plans.
- They provide safety training for employers and workers.
- They help make and put into action safety management systems.
- They manage the COR audit process.
- They offer support and quality checks to keep certification.
Working with your Certifying Partner makes getting COR certification easier. They help you prepare for the audit and improve your safety plan. This makes your workplace safer for everyone. For more on keeping or renewing your COR, check out Think Safety Solutions. They’re experts in health and safety in Alberta.
How to Obtain COR Certification in Alberta
Getting your Certificate of Recognition (COR) in Alberta means following a few steps. First, you need a strong health and safety management system. Your Certifying Partner will help you make sure it meets the rules and COR standards.
After setting up your system, you must do an audit. This checks how well your system works and if it follows the rules.
Implementing a Health and Safety Management System
To get COR certification, you need a detailed health and safety system. Your Certifying Partner will help you make or improve your system. They offer tools and policies to fit your company’s needs.
Having a solid health and safety system is key for a good COR audit and certification. It shows you care about your workers’ safety and makes a safer workplace for everyone.
Conducting an Audit
Once your system is ready, it’s time for an audit. Small employers can do a self-assessment, but those with 10 or more workers need an outside audit.
Your Certifying Partner will give you a list of approved auditors. You pick one and arrange the audit. The auditor will check your system by talking to employees, looking at documents, and observing the workplace. This checks if your system works well and meets the standards.
Passing the Audit and Receiving Certification
After the audit, the auditor sends a report to your Certifying Partner. To get COR certification, you need at least an 80% score overall, with 50% in each area.
If you pass, your Certifying Partner will ask the Alberta government for your COR certificate. This certificate proves your company is serious about safety and health at work.
Getting COR certification can take over a year if you start from scratch. Auditors are busiest from October to December, so it might take longer then. Work closely with your auditor to meet deadlines and pass checks to avoid delays or needing another audit.
| Organization | Membership Benefits | Impact of COR Certification |
|---|---|---|
| ACSA |
|
N/A |
| PCL Construction Management Inc. | N/A |
|
Tax Benefits of COR Certification in Alberta
Getting COR certification shows your company cares about health and safety. It also gives you a financial boost by lowering your WCB premiums. In Alberta, COR-certified companies can get up to 10% off their WCB premiums every year. This means big savings that help your business grow.
Lacombe County scored a high 95% on their 2023 COR recertification audit. This is a 2% jump from their 2020 audit score. Their top score means they get the biggest rebate on WCB premiums. Getting COR is a wise choice that rewards your hard work in meeting safety standards and caring for your employees.
Improving safety and managing claims well can also cut your WCB insurance rate. This is thanks to the Experience Rating system. Keeping COR certification means you keep saving money. But, if your safety record is poor, you could face higher rates. Investing in COR is a smart move for your company’s financial health.
