Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program

Certificate of Recognition (COR) is a nationally recognized program which has been specifically designed to assist the construction industry in improving its safety culture. Companies who successfully achieve and maintain certification are eligible for a 10-15% rebate from WorkSafeBC.

The total annual WorkSafeBC Rebate will be calculated as a percentage of the base assessment rate from the previous year, multiplied by the company’s total assessable payroll reported from the previous year for each classification unit in which the>participating employer qualifies for a WorkSafeBC Rebate.

CALCULATION: Assessable Payroll ÷ 100 x Rate x 15% = Refund

EXAMPLE: 750,000 ÷ 100 x 4.29 x 15% = $4,826.25

The minimum rebate is the lesser of $500 or 50% of the premiums paid by the employer for the rebate year being calculated.

Achieving COR

As a construction employer in BC, you have determined that you would like to achieve a Certificate of Recognition (COR).
First, you must establish whether you fit the CSN's description of a "large employer" (20 or more employees) or a "small employer" (19 or fewer employees). As you will see below, there are different requirements for each group.

Next, your company must develop and implement a health and safety program that effectively addresses the hazards found in your operations. For both large and small companies, the required components for a health and safety program are identical: it must contain no fewer than fourteen basic components, all of which must be effectively implemented at your worksite. In order to ensure your program meets these requirements, it may be helpful to take the CSN's online Principles of Health and Safety Management (PHSM) course.
Large Employers: (20 or more employees)
Large employers are required to have their health and safety program externally audited using a qualified external auditor. A list of recognized auditors can be found on the CSN website. Employers are responsible for paying all costs associated with the external audit.
The COR certificate is valid for three years, provided maintenance audits are submitted annually by your anniversary date and the company remains in good standing. A large employer may have maintenance audits conducted by an employee who has successfully achieved CSN internal auditor status. Internal auditors are only certified to conduct maintenance (internal) audits for the company with whom they are permanently employed.

All information regarding Large COR can be found on the Large COR page

Small Employers: (19 or fewer employees)
Small employers may conduct an internal audit of their health and safety program by a qualified permanent employee who has taken the Small Auditor Training. Auditor Training teaches participants how to evaluate the performance of their company's health and safety program through conducting annual company-wide audits. For a list of upcoming Auditor Training courses click here.
If the audit meets CSN standards, the employer is issued a COR certificate. The certificate is good for three years provided maintenance audits (which can be internal or external) are submitted annually by your anniversary date.

All information regarding Small COR can be found on the Small COR page

COR Certification:
Once the employer's audit passes the CSN standards, a Certificate of Recognition will be issued by WorkSafeBC. The certificate is valid for three years, provided annual maintenance audits are submitted and the company remains in good standing.

Companies who successfully achieve and maintain their COR are eligible for a 10% WorkSafeBC rebate. A further 5% will be available for companies who opt to complete the additional Injury Management Audit
(Speak to a CSN Safety Advisor to find out more)

Companies that achieve COR are listed on WorkSafeBC's website.

National COR:

The Construction Safety Network is a member of the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA). As such, we have signed an agreement for COR reciprocity between all Canadian provinces. Click here to see how your COR certification and training transfer between jurisdictions.

Safety Management Training:

The CSN offers a variety of other health and safety management courses which are invaluable to establishing and maintaining your company's safety program and compliment your COR training. The courses are an excellent resource to prepare your company for the audit and improve or review your health and safety program