Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd. (STC) is proud to support Ontario workplaces in achieving COR 2020 certification, setting the gold standard in occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). This post explains the critical benefits of COR certification in Ontario, how it drives injury prevention, WSIB rebates, competitive advantage, and audit readiness, and why every Ontario employer should invest in occupational health and safety training aligned with COR.
1. What is COR 2020 in Ontario?
COR 2020—the Certificate of Recognition (2020 edition)—is the latest version of Ontario’s national safety certification standard administered by IHSA as part of the CFCSA network safetytrainingandconsulting.ca. It verifies that an organization has a fully implemented and audited health and safety management system, meeting the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Management System Accreditation Standard ihsa.ca.
COR 2020 replaces previous COR frameworks, streamlining audit elements and aligning with ISO 45001 / CSA Z45001 standards—a structured system of policies, procedures, training, risk assessment, internal audits, external audits, and continual improvement.
2. Proven Safety Outcomes: 28% Fewer Injuries
A UBC-WSIB study found that COR-certified employers in Ontario experienced a:
- 28% reduction in lost-time injury rate, and
- 20% reduction in high-impact injury rate compared to non-COR firms of similar size and sector.
Ontario saw the largest safety benefit among provinces; COR-certified companies in BC and Alberta experienced only 9% reductions, likely due to Ontario’s scale and higher standards for large firms canada.constructconnect.com.
For Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd. (STC), this translates into real impact: fewer injuries, less downtime, lower WSIB costs—all crucial outcomes for clients across construction, industrial, and infrastructure sectors.
3. WSIB Rebates & Financial Incentives
Ontario employers who achieve COR 2020 certification may qualify for financial incentives under two major programs:
- WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program (HSEp)
- Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers (SOSE) accreditation standard administered by the Ministry of Labour (MLITSD)
These programs offer up to 15% WSIB rebate on premiums and recognition through MLITSD listings. In larger firms, rebates may reach up to $250,000 per year.
Additionally, COR certification helps reduce workers’ compensation costs, lower insurance premiums, and secure no-claims discounts by demonstrating robust risk management and injury prevention strategies.
4. Win More Work: Competitive Advantage
In Ontario, many municipalities and public authorities now require COR certification—or ISO 45001 registration—for tendering and subcontracting eligibility. These include:
- Cities of Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Ottawa
- York Region, Milton, Richmond Hill
- TTC, Metrolinx, GTAA, LCBO and more
Being COR 2020 certified demonstrates to clients and public procurement officers that your organization has implemented a third-party-audited OHSMS, giving you a strong edge when bidding or negotiating contracts.
5. Cultivate a Safety Culture and Improve Productivity
Beyond compliance and financial benefits, COR 2020 helps embed a safety culture across your organization. Firms with certified systems see improvements in:
- employee satisfaction (up to 50%)
- productivity increases (up to 35%)
- service quality improvements (around 10%)
A robust safety culture—supported by hazard assessment, job safety analysis, safety talks, and management commitment—reduces incidents and boosts morale, retention, and engagement.
6. Risk Management and Legal Compliance
A COR 2020-certified OHSMS ensures your organization designs and implements policies, procedures, training, and documentation compliant with Ontario OHS regulations, including:
- Worker/supervisor health & safety awareness
- WHMIS, workplace violence and harassment training
- PPE, fall protection, first aid, chemical safety, and more
Because internal audits are conducted annually, and external audits every three years, due diligence is demonstrated—protecting your company from fines, WSIB claims and litigation.
7. How Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd. (STC) Supports COR Certification
At Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd. (STC), we offer tailored COR 2020 support services in Ontario to help you through the entire certification journey:
- Gap analysis and workplace assessment (onsite or virtual)
- Development of COR 2020 policies, procedures, forms, templates, and safety talk catalogues
- Implementation plans, program roll-outs, and practical training sessions
- Preparation and support for internal and external audits, including AuditSoft assistance safetytrainingandconsulting.ca
Our expert consultants act as your partner in achieving COR 2020 certification efficiently and effectively, so you can reap the benefits quickly.
8. Step-by-Step COR 2020 Process Overview
1. Registration & Gap Assessment
Register with IHSA and conduct a detailed gap analysis to align your current OHS practices with COR 2020 elements.
2. Customize OHSMS Documentation
Create or adapt policies, procedures, and records to satisfy COR 2020 criteria. This includes hazard identification, incident investigation, training logs, JHSC meeting minutes, etc.
3. Implementation & Training
Provide management and worker training, toolbox talks, hazard assessments, and roll-out sessions to operationalize your OHSMS.
4. Internal Audit (Year 1 & 2)
Conduct internal audits annually using a trained internal auditor (who completed IHSA internal auditor training)—mandatory years 2 & 3.
5. External Audit (Year 3)
Schedule with an IHSA-approved external auditor. Use AuditSoft software (mandatory in Ontario since Jan 1, 2023) to submit audit documents go2hr.ca.
6. Certification & WSIB/SOSE Enrollment
After passing the external audit, receive your Certificate of Recognition (COR 2020). Register for WSIB HSEp eligible topics or SOSE for rebates and provincial recognition.
9. Why It’s Worth Investing in COR 2020 Now
➤ Real ROI and Cost Savings
With fewer injuries, lower WSIB rates, and rebates up to 15% or more, certified companies often recoup certification costs within 12–18 months. Larger firms may qualify for rebates up to $250,000 annually.
➤ Bid and Grow in Ontario Markets
COR 2020 certification opens doors to public sector contracts across Ontario and many more demand COR 2020 as pre-qualification.
➤ Protect Your People and Reputation
Implementing COR 2020 increases employee safety and satisfaction, and demonstrates external third-party verification of your safety practices—boosting corporate image and trust.
➤ Align with Best Practices and ISO Standards
Since COR 2020 aligns with ISO 45001 / CSA Z45001, your OHSMS is built to international best practices, helping if you later pursue ISO registration or multinational operations.
10. Success Stories and Real-World Results
- A recent IHSA campaign showcased that Ontario’s COR program now includes 672 certified companies, with 1,735 registered or working toward COR certifications—evidence of strong growth and demand canada.constructconnect.com.
- The UBC-WSIB study confirms the 28% reduction in lost-time injuries—a tangible safety outcome supported by data.
- Feedback from the field indicates that employees prefer working with COR-certified employers because they value safety culture and due diligence ohscanada.com.
12. Ready to Get Started? Partner with Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd. (STC)
We help Ontario companies build and maintain COR 2020 compliance, streamline training, policy development, audit prep, and ongoing support.
Why choose us?
- Local Ontario experts with deep knowledge of IHSA, WSIB, MLITSD safety standards.
- Customized, scalable solutions for small and medium enterprises.
- Virtual and onsite delivery options with flexible scheduling.
- Guidance through AuditSoft, internal and external audit readiness.
Let us help your organization reach COR 2020 certification faster, safer, and with maximum business benefit.
Conclusion
Achieving COR 2020 certification in Ontario is not just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a strategic investment in workplace safety, competitive growth, and financial resilience. With demonstrated reductions in injury rates, access to WSIB rebates, premium contract opportunities, and stronger workplace culture, COR 2020 empowers Ontario businesses to protect employees and thrive.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us for a COR 2020 gap audit, tailored safety program development, and audit support—Ontario’s trusted partner in safety excellence.