Value of a COR
Why get a COR? The Certificate of Recognition (COR) program is a proven way for employers to improve their health and safety performance, create a culture of proactive workplace health and safety, and reduce the risk and costs associated with workplace incidents.
There are compelling reasons for a company to get a COR!
Safer and Healthier Workforce
With a validated health and safety management system, companies can identify and assess their workplace risks, then systematically control hazards to protect their people. This ongoing process allows companies to build a culture of proactive workplace health and safety that meet compliance with occupational health and safety (OH&S) regulations and promotes continuous improvement.
The safety stats are impressive! Alberta employers with a COR have demonstrated:
- 40% reduction in lost time claim rates and disabling injury rates in the first two years with COR
- Over 60% decrease in disabling injury rate since 2005, compared to 40% decrease for non-COR employers
- 50% lower annual fatality rate, compared to the provincial average
- Decreasing occupational fatality rate since 2006, compared to an increasing fatality rate for non-COR employers
Financial Gains
No question – injuries and illnesses are expensive! A culture of workplace health and safety can reduce your exposure to legal risk and save on the cost of lost productivity, replacement worker training, property damage and incident investigations.
The business case is compelling! Employers with a COR can generate a solid return on their investment in health and safety:
- 25% lower WCB claims costs
- Up to 15% reduction on WCB premiums
- Provincial WCB rebates of up to 20% in Alberta, 15% in BC
A COR may also enhance contracting opportunities for many employers, since a valid COR is a common contractor requirement in the oil and gas industry.
Leadership Through COR
Oil and gas employers have an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and excellence in health and safety by achieving COR status. By holding a COR, exploration and production (E&P) companies can lead by example, then require contractors to demonstrate their own level of health and safety with a COR.
For many large companies, a COR validates health and safety management systems already in place. The Partnerships Audit Standard Equivalence (PASE) process offers large companies the option of participating in the COR program while using their own auditing systems.
Be a leader. Make a difference. Get a COR!