AUDIT OVERVIEW:

The COR audits assess different elements of your safety management system. Similar to an “open-book” exam, you will be provided with an occupational health and safety audit tool prior to the audit which outlines what the auditor will be reviewing so you will be fully aware of what they’re looking for with regards to documentation, observation of your workplace, and interviews with your employees. The COR audit includes the following elements:

 

  • Management & Leadership Commitment
  • Hazard Identification & Control
  • Safe Work Procedures
  • Inspections
  • Investigation of Incidents
  • Training
  • Program Administration
  • Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee

 

AUDIT TYPES & LIFECYCLE:

COR audit certification runs on a 3-year cycle, and there are two types of audits required: certification/recertification audits and maintenance audits. Certification audits are required in Year 1 and Year 4 and are performed by external auditors. Maintenance audits are required in Years 2 and 3 and can be performed by an internal or external auditor.

Certification & Recertification Audits:

Certification and recertification audits must be performed by an external auditor certified by go2HR’s industry-specific audit tool.

To meet the minimum COR standards, each certification and recertification audit must:

 

  • Attain an 80% overall score;
  • Attain a minimum of 50% in each element; and
  • Meet the established quality assurance standards of both go2HR and WorkSafeBC.

 

Maintenance Audits:

Once a company achieves COR certification, successfully completed maintenance audits are required in years 2 and 3 for the company to maintain its certification status until year 4 when they will recertify.

The purpose of the maintenance audits is twofold. First, it shows that the company is maintaining the system originally audited by the external auditor during the certification audit. Secondly, it provides an ongoing status check on the progress of recommendations made during the last certification audit. Maintenance audits do not need to achieve a minimum score in order to pass. Maintenance audits must be completed within six to twelve months following the previous audit (certification or maintenance). Maintenance audits can be conducted by a go2HR-certified external auditor, internal auditor, or student internal auditor. Choosing to use an internal auditor to conduct the maintenance audits will save your company money.

 

Learn more about Audit Scope & Sampling

 

Internal auditor vs external auditor

External auditors are independent consultants trained and certified by go2HR to complete certification (Year 1), maintenance (Year 2 & 3) and recertification (Year 4) audits.
Internal auditors are employees of your company, trained and certified by go2HR to complete maintenance (Year 2 & 3) audits. In many cases internal auditors also take on the role of safety champion and help to develop and maintain a company’s safety management system.