Certificate of Recognition (COR)
The Partners Program, also known as the certificate of recognition (COR), is a voluntary employer certification program intended to motivate employers to take a proactive role in occupational health and safety. The COR program recognizes and rewards employers who go beyond the current legal requirements, implement an effective occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS), and pass a certification audit to the standards set out by the Board.
The Assessment Manual sets out the framework and describes the guiding principles for the COR program. Employers should review policy AP5-247-4 to learn more about how decisions relating to the COR program are made and the requirements of an occupational health and safety management system that meets the COR standard.
- About COR
- COR benefits
- Resources
If you're an employer interested in participating in the certificate of recognition (COR) program, see Program participation. Note: Given the unique way employers listed in classes 8 to 11 of section 244(1) of the Workers Compensation Act are assessed, the classifications assigned to these employers are not considered during the COR certification process.
If you're looking for an employer who is COR-certified, or would like to see if an employer is COR-certified, use our Employer search tool.
For other inquiries about the COR program, email the Partners Program or call 604.244.6164 or 1.866.644.6164 toll-free in B.C.
About COR
COR is awarded to employers that implement and maintain an OHSMS that exceeds regulatory requirements. This OHSMS should be comprehensive and based on a "Plan, Do, Check, Act" cycle focused on continual improvement. For more information about the elements of an OHSMS, see Occupational health & safety management systems.
COR benefits
- Safe and healthy workplace — COR-certified employers demonstrate leadership, commitment to continual improvement, and dedication to worker health and safety. Possessing a certificate of recognition demonstrates to your workers, your industry peers, and the public that you value a workplace that's safe and secure from injury, illness, and disease. This commitment translates into a safer and healthier workforce and work environment, which helps ensure your workers go home safely every day.
- Competitive advantage — Having a certificate of recognition reflects your commitment to workplace health and safety, which may make it easier to hire and keep workers. It can also give you an advantage when it comes to work contracts. As clients become more socially conscious and discerning in choosing who to work with, it's important to make the most of every opportunity that will give your company a competitive edge.
- Financial savings — Achieving a certificate of recognition can also have positive financial impacts. When you maintain a safe and healthy workplace with few worker injuries and shorter claims duration, your company's WorkSafeBC experience rating will improve. This will eventually lead to a discount on your WorkSafeBC premiums, which can result in significant savings.
As part of the COR program, employers whose occupational health and safety management systems have passed an audit and are in good standing with WorkSafeBC are considered for financial incentives. Incentive payments are calculated using your company's assessable payroll and the base rate for your classification unit (CU) for the incentive year.
For more information about incentives, see Incentives. If you have questions about the CU your company belongs to or assessments in general, visit our Insurance section.
Resources
Certificate of Recognition (COR) Refund Request
Employers who have received a Certificate of Recognition (COR) incentive can use this form to request a refund of the remaining COR credit from their assessment account.
To complete this form...
Managing the risk of fatigue at work: A component of the certificate of recognition (COR) audit
Being fatigued can impair a worker’s ability to work safely, and employers are responsible for managing the risk of harm at work when workers may be fatigued. This bulletin provides information to help...
