What is COR/SECOR?

A Certificate of Recognition (COR) or a Small Employer COR (SECOR) is awarded to employers who have successfully developed and implemented a health and safety program that meets provincial standards.

The COR certifies that the employer’s health and safety management system has been evaluated by a certified auditor and met the requirements of the provincial standards. Certificates are issued by Alberta Government and are co-signed by Alberta Association for Safety Partnerships (AASP).

Why was COR/SECOR developed?

The government of Alberta, the Alberta Workers Compensation Board (WCB) and Alberta industry representatives joined forces in 1999 to proactively reduce injury, and the associated cost, by promoting effective health and safety practices. The result of this effort was the creation of the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program.   Under this program:

  • The Alberta government (represented by the Partnerships in Injury Reduction program) along with Industry (represented by Certifying Partners like the AASP) develop and maintain the requirements of a voluntary minimum health and safety program standard.
  • The Alberta Association for Safety Partnerships (AASP), founded to serve its members, works in partnership with the Alberta government to provide standards and training to assist member companies with the development and implementation of a Health and Safety Program within the guidelines of the Partnerships in Injury Reduction standards.
  • Companies that meet the Audit requirements are issued with a Certificate of Recognition (COR) or Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR) by the Partnerships in Injury Reduction and cosigned by Certifying Partner (AASP).
  • As an incentive and in recognition of the reduced risk because of an implemented, audited and certified Health and Safety Program the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) may issue and annual rebate of up to 20% of the company’s WCB industry premium.

Benefits of a COR/SECOR

Achieving and maintaining a valid COR is required for earning a financial incentive through the WCB Partnerships in Injury Reduction program. Also, it is not unusual for Alberta corporations to expect contractors bidding on projects to hold a valid COR. To learn more about the history of COR go to the Alberta government website here.

Benefits of COR:

  • By achieving COR, employers must demonstrate that their health and safety management system has been developed, implemented, and evaluated on an annual basis through comprehensive internal and external audits.
  • Audits will typically include interviews, documentation review, and observation techniques to evaluate how well the employer is able to identify, assess, and control risks to workers.
  • The audit criteria used by COR are recognized by industries throughout Canada. Your company will be part of a nationwide network participating in and promoting health and safety excellence.
  • In a situation where you must demonstrate that you have an active health and safety management system, participation in COR is an asset.
  • Providing immediate proof that you have an effective health and safety management system in place will give your organization a competitive advantage, possibly allowing you to qualify ahead of others for certain jobs.
  • Protecting the health and safety of all workers at all times is the right thing to do. Effective development and maintenance of a health and safety management system is a proactive approach to eliminating workplace injuries and illnesses.
  • A firm’s corporate image and reputation will be enhanced within industry and community.
  • Commitment to a strong culture of safety will attract safety-conscious workers, drive employee morale and engagement.