COR INformation

The Certificate of Recognition (COR) is a voluntary program, run by the Government of Alberta. It is available to all businesses in Alberta. There are two kinds of COR a company can achieve. 

SECOR - Small Employer Certificate of Recognition.

Organizations applying for SECOR cannot have more than 10 employees at any given time. This includes all staff covered under your WCB (including owners, managers, clerical or administrative staff, part-time workers, temporary staff, family members, and volunteers). 

COR - Certificate of Recognition

For organizations with over 10 employees. 

Organizations must choose one of the many Certifying Partners in Alberta. Your first audit must be conducted by an external audit and must go through a Certifying Partner review to ensure quality assurance standards. To be eligible for COR, your audit will need to achieve a minimum score of 80 percent overall, with a minimum of 50 percent on each audit element.

A COR is typically valid for three years, provided that annual internal COR maintenance audit requirements are met. 

First Year - External Audit

Second Year - Internal or Maintenance Audit - Can be conducted by an external auditor or an employee of the organization who has taken the appropriate training.

Third Year - Internal or Maintenance Audit - Can be conducted by an external auditor or an employee of the organization who has taken the appropriate training.

Year Four - Cycle Starts again with an External Audit.

WCB Alberta in conjunction with The Government of Alberta, the Certifying Partners of Alberta, Safety Associations, Employers and Labor Groups created the Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR) Program.

The PIR is a program that is designed to help companies lower their WCB premiums by promoting injury prevention and the creation of effective Health and Safety programs. Organizations in the program can earn rebates of up to 20% on their industry rate. 

Employee Safety

By participating in a program like COR, it lays the foundation of a safe and healthy workplace. Healthy and safe workers equal happy & productive workers. 

Industry Leading Standards

By maintaining a COR, organizations are demonstrating their commitment and professionalism. Effective health and safety management programs have been proven to have an impact on injury reduction or eliminating workplace injuries all together. By having a strong transparent program where the organization works together, your company can become an industry leader. Industry leading companies then become the standard by which other companies are measured.

COR May Be A Requirement 

Come organizations in Alberta may require your organization to hold a valid COR prior to any bids. COR is a standard that is widely recognized and this helps organizations in their vetting process when it comes to hiring sub-contractors etc.