Preparing for a COR Audit? Avoid These Common Mistakes

Certificate of Recognition or COR is a nationally recognized accreditation program for businesses. It certifies the implementation of a workplace health and safety management system that meets the highest standards.  

COR is endorsed by the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA) and is essential for businesses in construction, civil, and oil & gas industries to be eligible to bid on projects.

But COR certification is beneficial for any business irrespective of industry as it helps:

• Build a robust health & safety system, keep staff safe, and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries 
• Get rebates on compensation board rates and rebate programs
• Create a strong industry reputation by showing your business’s commitment to health & safety 

The two types of COR audits

Once you have fulfilled all requirements for COR and put in place an effective health and safety system, your business is ready for an internal audit, which is conducted by an internal auditor.

The internal audit is then submitted to the certifying partner for review to ensure it is aligned with the COR standards. If your business passes the audit review, you’ll then be eligible to undergo the external audit

An external audit of your workplace health & safety management system is the final stage in the process of getting a COR certification. The certifying partner is a provincially authorized agency that will:

Examine your documentation

This includes policies, risk assessments, procedures, forms, minutes, and records of the health and management system for the past 12 months. This assessment will ensure your compliance with legislation and COR standards.

Conduct an inspection

The certified auditor will carry out a physical inspection of the workplace to ensure compliance.

Carry out interviews

The certified auditor will also conduct interviews with the management and employees to determine their level of involvement and understanding of COR and the health and safety management system.

Once the audit is completed by the auditor, the audit must go through a quality assurance process before it is approved, and the COR is issued.

Preparing for the external COR audit

Becoming COR certified is a significant achievement for your business. But preparing for the COR audit can be complex and grueling. If you don’t already have a health & safety system in place, it will take 12 months to set it up and acquire the documentation required for COR. Given the hard work you’ll put in, it becomes critical that you plan and prepare for the external audit with great care.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing for COR audits

To help your business navigate the challenging process of becoming COR audit ready, we’ve shared some common errors businesses tend to make:

1. Incomplete documentation

The importance of documentation cannot be stressed enough. Auditors examine a 12-month record of your health & safety documentation. Any missing, outdated, inaccurate, or incomplete paperwork can cause unnecessary delays or stymie your chances of passing the external audit.

Not having proper or complete records may also indicate improper implementation of the COR standards.

2. Poor audit planning

Preparation for the final external audit begins with your internal audit. Not planning internal audits properly or not taking corrective action on the findings from internal audits is a lost opportunity. The issues you identify during internal audits should be documented and fixed. This will help fill the gaps in your compliance before you open your health & safety system up for examination again to an external auditor.

3. Inadequate employee training

Becoming COR ready is not simply about ticking off checkboxes. It’s making health and safety compliance and best practices a part of your every day. To build a strong safety culture, it is critical that you train your employees on COR, your health & safety management system, and the major part they play in creating a healthy and safe workplace.

Involving your workers will ensure they understand the significance of a robust health & safety system and are open to change and adopting new procedures.

4. Last-minute preparation

Hurried and chaotic planning increases the chances of making mistakes, causing stress, confusion, and low morale in the workplace. A health and safety management system that fulfills COR standards cannot be set up in a day or even a month. It requires rigorous planning, and day-to-day adherence to safety rules and regulations.

 5. Lack of Management Involvement

If management has not been involved in the creation, support and maintenance of the health and safety management system it will become evident in the audit and reduce your chances of success.

Need expert support preparing for COR audits?

Peninsula’s mock COR audits can help you reduce audit anxiety and set your business up for success. Our health and safety consultants can help your business be compliant with all COR requirements. From documentation to coaching employees for interviews and maintaining your COR certification – we’ll be there with you every step of the way.  

To learn more about our COR services, call an expert today at (1) 833-247-3652.