b'OHS ACCREDITATIONTHE ROUTE TOOHS ACCREDITATION Choosing the right accreditation program BY MATTHEW BRADFORDto ensure workers return home safelyO ccupational healthHowever, there are key differ-and safety (OHS)ences between each accreditation. programs are criticalCOR, for one, is a national stan-in construction. Theydard that varies from province not only uphold theto province. It is awarded by just highest standards ofone governing body in Ontario worker safety, they also(IHSA) and has strict and specific allow contractors to pursue biddingqualifications that applicants opportunities and enjoy financialmust meet.and production benefits. That said, there are several considerationsCOR is presently a much more to make when selecting an OH&Sprescriptive program than accreditation program. ISO-45001, but its also much more defined. When you go Ontario contractors have twothrough COR, you know what you options when it comes to verifyinghave to do and what the IHSA their OHS approach. They includewill expect when it audits your the Certificate of Recognitionprogram for its evaluation, says (COR) health and safety program,Hall. So, if youre brand new administered solely by Ontariosto building a health and safety Infrastructure Health & SafetySTEPHEN HALL, program, or you dont have a lot Association (IHSA), or theCHAIN REACTION STRATEGY INC.of time to build one from scratch, ISO-45001 certification, whichyou can do COR by yourself is designated by several registrarbecause it more clearly lays out bodies throughout the province. the expectations.Both programs offer massive benefits if implementedISO-45001, on the other hand, is an international and maintained properly, says Stephen Hall, ISO Leadstandard that does not vary between countries. It is Auditor Integrated Management Systems with Chainless prescriptive than COR and awarded by several Reaction Strategy Inc. That said, if you arent gettingregistrar bodies in Ontario.everyone on board, or youre going about things half-heartedly, neither accreditation program is going to beThe fact that ISO-45001 has less-defined require-successful for your company.ments for accreditation may make it more appealing to firms. However, its important to do ones home-ISO VS. CORwork or seek support from a consultant to ensure no Achieving either ISO-45001 or COR certification offerscritical elements are being omitted or overlooked in real, measurable benefits for construction firms. Notthe process.only are they bidding requirements for many publicBoth COR and ISO provide roadmaps for creating and private-sector projects, but these programs alsosafer construction jobsites. Selecting one comes help companies identify and embed the practices,down to how much assistance, resources, and protocols, and measures that have been proven toknowledge companies have, or will require, when reduce jobsite injuries and their associated costs andestablishing their H&S program. delays. Moreover, programs like COR and ISO-45001 help companies stay up to speed with evolving health and safety regulations, are key for marketing and busi- Ultimately, Hall adds, what matters most when ness development opportunities and help companieschoosing an accreditation program is that youre eliminate inefficiencies by continually improvingcommitted to doing it right and that the program procedures and policies.fits with your company.26 H 2 OSWCAFall 2020'