This standard outlines the requirements for attaining the Certificate of Recognition (COR™) certification in the province of Ontario. An organization must implement and maintain an occupational health and safety management system to achieve certification.

As defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), a health and safety management system means “a coordinated system of procedures, processes and other measures that is designed to be implemented by employers in order to promote continuous improvement in occupational health and safety”.

The COR™ program is nationally trademarked and endorsed by participating members of the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA) of which the IHSA is a member. It provides employers with effective tools to develop implement and assess their health and safety management system.

COR™ is aimed at driving positive workplace behaviour and practices that lead to improved performance. It is currently used across Canada and is a pre-qualification requirement for many contractors working in and out of the province, and on public- and private-sector projects.

The IHSA is the ‘Authority having Jurisdiction’ to grant COR™ in the province of Ontario. In achieving this national safety program accreditation in Ontario, IHSA is responsible to ensure that the COR™ standards are upheld.

In Ontario, COR™ is recognized by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) as an equivalent standard for the purposes of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System Accreditation Standard. Workplaces that achieve COR™ may apply to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to be recognized as accredited by the MLTSD and receive all of the benefits that go along with this including:

• Recognize employers that have fully implemented an accredited OHSMS
• WSIB rebate on premiums
• A proactive approach to ensuring health and safety for everyone in the workplace
• Opportunity to pre-qualify for work/business requiring COR™ certification

How Does an OHSMS Work?

An occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) is a coordinated system of procedures, processes and other measures designed for implementation by employers in order to promote continual improvement in occupational health and safety. Organizations can implement an OHSMS system by identifying, assessing, and controlling risks to workers. As part of the OHSMS, employers can continually improve health and safety performance through evaluation, corrective, and preventative actions.