COR News and Updates
Welcome to go2HR’s Certificate of Recognition (COR) News and Updates page, where COR-certified employers can find important information related to the COR program.
News and Updates
Return to Work (RTW) COR to be discontinued
December 2021- The Return-to-Work (RTW) COR certification program will be discontinued after 2021. As a result of a thorough review of the program, WorkSafeBC has decided to focus on other return-to-work programs and initiatives that provide the best outcomes for injured workers. Employers currently in the program can participate in the RTW COR audit in 2021 if they choose. If successful, they will receive their final RTW COR incentive payment after May 2022, provided the incentive eligibility criteria are met. From 2022, COR employers should not conduct RTW COR audits, as these will no longer be accepted.
Proof of concept for proposed improvements to the COR program is wrapping up
December 2021- WorkSafeBC, in consultation with stakeholders, has been creating practices and procedures to support Assessment Manual policy item AP5-247-4, which provides the framework for the COR program. As a result of this work, they have developed a proof of concept for several proposed improvements to the COR program. Testing of this proof of concept was scheduled to begin in 2020 but had to be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial began earlier in 2021 with a select group of auditors and employers from different industries, certified through different certifying partners, including go2HR.
The following describes the proposed improvements included in the proof of concept:
| Item | Current (COR Standards & Guidelines | Proposed | Overarching Question | Expected Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audit Standard | 2 sizes (small/large) | Single audit standard | How will an audit standard based on a single management system compare to current COR program outcomes? | Better alignment with international standard content and formatting Easier to demonstrate continual improvement |
| Audit Tool | CPs create size-based audit tools | WorkSafeBC authored audit tool | Will a single WorksafeBC- authored audit tool work for all employer sizes and risk profiles? | Adaptable for employers with sizes that change frequently Risk-based approach for ease of determining management system complexity |
| Auditors | Training developed independently by each CP | Training framework created by WorkSafeBC | Will standardized training be successful? | Improved consistency among auditors Centralized training model to improve consistency of auditor training and performance, and employer experience |
| Certification Audits | External auditors or self-certification (small employers) | External party to audit all employer sizes | Will this be cost-effective while delivering improved safety outcomes? | Improved proactive safety metrics (lead indicators) Improved reactive safety metrics (lagging indicators) Improved objectivity Ensure certification for employers with effective occupational health and safety management systems |
| Audit Scope | Incomplete direction from WorkSafeBC | Clearer sampling and duration protocols | Will a standardized scope ensure reliable, verifiable, and consistent auditing practices? | Consistency across CPs for sampling Promotes cost-effectiveness and predictability for employers employers while ensuring a quality audit is conducted |
Further details on the proposed improvements and information on current and new COR certifications, 2021 financial incentives, and next steps can be found in this resource: Proof of Concept for proposed improvements to the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program.
Current COR-certified employers will not see any changes to their audit requirements or audit tools at this time. The proof of concept trial is only offered to select employers to test aspects of the proposed improvements.
Changes to how COR certified employers receive incentive payments
December 2021- Beginning in May/June 2021, COR financial incentives are no longer being mailed as physical cheques. Instead, if employers meet the program’s incentive eligibility criteria, the payment will be credited directly to their WorkSafeBC account. This change is intended to eliminate delays in reimbursement created by mail delivery disruptions or outdated contact information, will eliminate the step requiring you to deposit your cheque, and will reduce our environmental footprint. If you have any questions about this change, please email partners.program@worksafebc.com.
2021 COR incentives are scheduled to be issued after May 2022. This includes incentive payments for occupational health and safety COR and final incentive payments for Return to Work COR (for eligible employers).
Latest information on conducting COR audits during the COVID-19 pandemic
December 2021- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WorkSafeBC is continuing to determine how best to support employers, certified partners, and other stakeholders with 2021 COR program requirements. We are recommending that auditors conduct virtual documentation reviews and interviews, where possible. Observations must be carried out in person, using appropriate controls, including physical distancing, barriers and personal protective equipment, where applicable.
If you’re concerned about your in-progress or upcoming 2021 COR audit, please contact us for support and guidance. If you need to contact the COR team directly, please email partners.program@worksafebc.com. For more on WorkSafeBC’s response to the pandemic and information and resources on staying safe at work, refer to their COVID-19 webpages.
COR certificates are no longer being printed and mailed
December 2021- WorkSafeBC is no longer issuing hard copies of COR certificates. Instead, they now send PDFs of COR certificates to go2HR. Our new practice is to send certificates to COR employers by email after we receive them. The PDFs are in colour and may be printed by COR employers if you wish to display your current COR certificate in your workplace.
If you need to provide proof that your company is COR certified, you can locate your COR certification information on WorkSafeBC’s Employer Search webpage. Search results will display your company’s current COR certificate number and expiry date.
More Information
For more information on the COR program, please contact the go2HR Industry Health & Safety Team.