First: what are COR and SECOR?
Alberta’s Certificate of Recognition (COR) program recognizes employers whose health and safety management systems meet provincial standards. A COR is issued after the required audit process through an authorized Certifying Partner. SECOR—the Small Employer Certificate of Recognition—is the small-employer stream and uses a self-assessment reviewed by the Certifying Partner. Alberta describes SECOR as being for businesses with up to 10 employees. Your Certifying Partner can confirm which program and process applies to your company.
Is COR legally required for every Alberta business?
No. COR itself is not a blanket legal requirement for every employer. Alberta OHS legislation still applies whether or not you pursue COR. In some industries, contracts, prequalification systems or clients may require COR as a condition of doing business. For example, some Alberta Transportation work requires recognized safety certification and does not accept SECOR.
What about a formal health and safety program?
Alberta currently requires employers with 20 or more regularly employed workers to establish a health and safety program. Employers with fewer than 20 are not exempt from safety responsibilities: they still need required documentation and processes, including hazard assessment and control and emergency response planning.
When does pursuing COR or SECOR make sense?
It may make sense when clients require it, you want access to work that uses safety prequalification, or you want a structured standard for developing and maintaining your safety management system. The certificate should be the result of a functioning system—not the only reason the system exists.
A practical place to start
Before worrying about audit binders, look at what happens every day. Are hazards being assessed? Are workers trained for their tasks? Are inspections completed and deficiencies corrected? Can you show what happened after an incident or near miss? Are records organized enough to demonstrate that the system is actually being used? Those are useful questions whether you pursue certification now or later.
This article provides general information, not legal advice. Requirements can vary with your industry, work and circumstances. Confirm current requirements with Alberta OHS and, for COR/SECOR, your Certifying Partner.