August 16, 2023:  COR is Coming

** A semantic disclaimer before beginning: This article is going to refer to COR and OHSMS interchangeably and synonymously. We recognize COR is not the only option for an OHSMS – you could also pursue CSA Z45001:19 or ISO 45001:2018. But COR is the one we know best, the one we hear most about from our clients and colleagues., and the one most recommended by experts. We cool here? 

Ready or Not. If you’re a contractor or subcontractor in the City of Ottawa, COR is coming for you.

Technically COR is already here. On January 1st of 2023, the City began phase one of their tiered rollout, requiring an OHSMS (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) validated by an external third party. This first wave applies to any city construction contracts over $10 Million in value. 

But lest you get complacent thinking “no problem, I’ll stick to 9.9 mil and under”, phase two starts January 1st of 2025, and brings the threshold to a mere $1 million; by January 1st, 2026, it’s a paltry $100,000. 

Yeah, it feels weird to write “mere” about a million dollars, or “paltry” about a hundred grand but consider this: Contracts that fall under that marker account for approximately 37% of city jobs bid on, and (maybe more importantly) only about 4% of the dollar value of city jobs. So by phase three we’re talking about a substantial amount of business slipping through your fingers if you don’t play ball.

“Why do I need COR anyway?” – you, about to have your mind changed.

Ottawa isn’t alone in heading in this direction. Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax, Saskatoon, and Regina are just a few of the major Canadian cities rolling out plans to make an externally validated OHSMS a requirement to receive a government contract. 

This trend is driven by several compelling arguments in favor of implementing this certification. Not only does it greatly improve safety outcomes but also enhances legal compliance for organizations. Depending on the state of your current health and safety process, getting to COR level may take a bit of a lift. Let’s talk about why it’s worth the effort, why this requirement is best for everyone in the long run, and how your company can prepare for this new requirement.

Improved Safety Outcomes

One of the primary arguments in favor of requiring COR certification is the dramatic improvement in safety outcomes that it offers. Safety is a top priority for both municipalities and companies, as accidents and injuries not only harm workers but also result in costly legal battles and damage to a company’s reputation. COR certification ensures that contractors and businesses have implemented robust safety management systems, creating a safer work environment for everyone involved.

With COR certification, organizations are required to undergo rigorous audits and assessments to verify their compliance with safety standards. This process ensures that safety protocols are in place, including proper training, hazard identification, incident reporting, and emergency response plans. Implementing these measures leads to statistically significant reductions in accidents, injuries, and fatalities, creating a safer workplace.

Enhanced Legal Compliance

In an ideal world, we could leave this argument at rationale #1: Everyone is working safer, there are never any accidents ever again, and rebar is now made of high-tensile, low-ductility cotton candy. Sadly we live in a world more real – and less delicious – so let’s move on to how COR covers your ass when accidents invariably occur.

While the primary goal of COR is to reduce workplace injuries and incidents, having a COR certification can also provide companies with some legal and compliance advantages. Here are some ways in which COR certification has been beneficial in this context:

1. Due Diligence Defense: In legal situations, especially when a company faces potential penalties or litigation due to a workplace incident, having a COR certification can be used as evidence of due diligence. Demonstrating that the company had a recognized and effective health and safety management system in place can help in defending against claims of negligence.
2. Reduced Penalties: In some cases, regulatory bodies may consider a company’s COR certification when determining penalties for safety violations. A company with COR certification might receive reduced penalties because they can demonstrate a proactive approach to safety.
3. Insurance Premiums: While not directly a legal issue, some insurance companies offer reduced premiums to companies with COR certification. This can be seen as a recognition that these companies are less likely to face legal claims related to workplace incidents.

COR certification requires contractors and businesses to demonstrate their compliance with relevant safety regulations and industry best practices. This includes keeping accurate records of safety training, incident reports, inspections, and corrective actions. By implementing these safety management systems, organizations can mitigate legal risks, avoid fines and penalties, and maintain a positive reputation within the industry.

Preparing for the Move to COR Certification

I can tell you’re convinced by now, so let’s talk about a plan of attack. To prepare for the increasing requirement of COR certification, companies should consider taking the following steps:

Assess Current Safety Programs: Review and assess the current safety programs and policies within the organization. Identify any areas that may need improvement or additional measures to meet the COR certification requirements.

Provide Training and Education: Ensure that employees and contractors receive appropriate safety training and education. This includes providing access to relevant courses, certifications, and workshops to enhance safety knowledge and skills.

Implement Safety Management Systems: Develop and implement robust safety management systems that align with COR certification requirements. This includes establishing protocols for hazard identification, incident reporting, emergency response, and compliance record-keeping.

Conduct Regular Audits and Inspections: Regularly audit and inspect your workplace to identify potential safety hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Correct any deficiencies promptly and document the corrective actions taken.

Engage with COR Certification Authorities: Establish communication channels with COR certification authorities to stay updated on the latest requirements and guidelines. Seek their guidance and support throughout the certification process.

How Digital Helps

Taking your safety program digital is like a secret weapon to stress-proofing your COR process. (Don’t believe me? Check out this profile on Manitoba’s Agassiz Drilling, and how going digital has made their safety program bulletproof.) Here’s just a few ways that digitizing your program gives you a huge leg up on the quest for compliance.

1. Physical documents can be lost, misfiled, damaged, or rendered unreadable. Digitized compliance documents are immediately available on a common online platform for all authorized personnel. They don’t run the risk of physical damage, and they take up waaaaaay less space than a filing cabinet.
2. Digital information can be updated daily, even hourly. Printed compliance documents are unlikely to be kept up to date because of the effort and expense of copying and distributing resources. 
3. You can respond to issues faster.  If you’re relying upon a piece of paper that needs to make it from field to office, with a detour in the back of a truck, and a brief cameo as a napkin, you’re exposing yourself to liability. With digital incident reports, you’re informed immediately, and can take action.
4. Receive automatic notification of upcoming expirations, from worker certifications to regular inspections to OSHA mandatory training renewals. Once digitized, they’re tracked for you, and you’ll get alerts in time to take action and stay compliant.
5. Data integration makes your documentation work for you by generating insightful reports to give context to information. You’ll be able to spot trends and identify prospective problems.
6. Information sharing allows for better communication between teams, departments, management, trades, etc.  Keeping everyone on the same page means protocol is established and enforced consistently.
7. Live, real-time updates from the jobsite let you monitor safety situations as they unfold, stay on top of safety compliance paperwork, and ensure due diligence is performed and provable.

By proactively adapting to the increasing requirement of COR certification, companies can demonstrate their commitment to safety and legal compliance. This not only enhances their reputation but also provides a competitive advantage when bidding on projects that require contractors and businesses to hold COR certification.