Pilot project will accommodate about 45 construction firms
The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) is launching a Certificate of Recognition (COR) program for Ontario construction contractors.
COR is an occupational health and safety audit program for construction industry employers aimed at reducing the human and financial costs associated with workplace incidents and injuries, according to IHSA.
COR is a national program currently being used across Canada, and is supported by the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA).
Manitoba, which recently made its COR program permanent, offers a five per cent reduction in workers compensation board (WCB) assessment rates for construction firms that earn a Certificate of Recognition (COR).
In Alberta, employers who do not hold a COR do not receive Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR) rebates from the province’s workers’ compensation board and can’t bid on certain projects in the province.
IHSA will be offering the COR program in Ontario, under a signed agreement with CFCSA. In order to participate in COR in Ontario, senior management and one designated full-time employee must undergo training which will be offered by IHSA.
IHSA is working on the logistics of launching a 2011 pilot, with several firms already expressing interest. The pilot will accommodate about 45 firms, and should be underway by late October 2011.
Firms wishing to participate in the program can contact Carlos Figueira at [email protected] or 1-800-263-5024 extension 8524.
