Health and Safety Advisors

Preparing your construction site for a COR (Certificate of Recognition) audit is crucial for proving your company’s commitment to health and safety. The COR certification doesn’t just help keep your workers safe. It also boosts your reputation and helps you win new contracts, especially in Ontario where safety compliance is increasingly important. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your construction site ready for a COR audit.

1. Review Your Health and Safety Management System

Start by reviewing your health and safety management system. This is the overall plan that guides how you manage safety on your site.

• Checklist:
  • Always make sure your safety policies are up-to-date and relevant to your construction activities.
  • Check that all safety procedures are documented, easy to understand, and accessible to employees.

2. Organize All Required Documentation

Gather all documents that support your safety practices, as the auditor will check these carefully.

• Checklist:
  • Employee training records (proof of training sessions, safety orientations, toolbox talks).
  • Equipment maintenance records (documentation showing regular inspections and repairs).
  • Incident reports (records of any accidents or near misses on site).
  • Safety meeting minutes (notes from regular safety meetings with employees).

3. Ensure Worker Training is Up to Date

Verify that all workers, including subcontractors, have the necessary training for the tasks they perform.

• Checklist:
  • Confirm that workers have received training specific to their job tasks.
  • Make sure workers understand emergency procedures, site rules, and hazard controls.
  • Document refresher training sessions, especially for high-risk activities like operating heavy machinery or working at heights.

4. Conduct a Site Inspection

Walk through your site to identify potential hazards or areas for improvement.

• Checklist:
  • Check that safety signage is visible and easy to understand.
  • Ensure that all personal protective equipment (PPE) is in good condition and being used correctly.
  • Confirm that machinery and tools are well-maintained and stored safely.
  • Inspect all fall protection measures, scaffolding, and ladders for stability and proper installation.

5. Engage Your Employees in Safety Practices

Make safety a shared responsibility by encouraging employees to participate in safety meetings and speak up about hazards.

• Checklist:
  • Hold a pre-audit safety meeting to discuss the importance of the COR audit.
  • Encourage employees to report hazards without fear of punishment.
  • Conduct a brief safety workshop or “toolbox talk” focused on audit expectations.

6. Run an Internal Audit or Mock Audit

Test your readiness with an internal audit to identify any weak spots before the official audit.

• Checklist:
  • Assign someone (or a small team) to act as the “auditor” and go through the audit checklist.
  • Document any gaps or areas that need improvement.
  • Review and fix issues uncovered during the internal audit.

7. Prepare for the Auditor’s Arrival

Make the audit process smooth by ensuring everyone knows their role.

• Checklist:
  • Inform all employees of the audit date and what to expect.
  • Assign a point person to guide the auditor and answer questions.
  • Make sure your documentation is readily accessible.

By following these steps and involving your team, you can make sure your site meets all the requirements and is ready for a successful audit. For further assistance, contact Health & Safety Advisors.