The Generals - Spring/Summer 2014 - (Page 29)

FEATURE COR DESIGNATION PROVIDES SAFETY to Construction Workers and Buyers by Jeffrey Reed, Special to The Generals W ithout a doubt, health and safety practices must be prioritized as the most important elements of any workplace, in particular within the construction industry. A strengthening partnership between Ontario construction sector stakeholders is proof that health and safety will not take a back seat to any other part of doing business in Canada. The Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) has a long history in health and safety training - it was one of the founding members of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Safety Groups Program. OGCA continues to focus on increasing health and safety legislation and the added resources this requires of general contractors. Now, as a working partner with Ontario's Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA), the OGCA is promoting COR - Certificate of Recognition. Currently making inroads in this province after finding much success in Western Canada, COR is an extensive safety program and audit that confirms a company's safety protocols. IHSA, under the leadership of its President and CEO, Al Beattie, provides COR training for certification for OGCA members. The COR program began in Alberta more than two decades ago. While the bulk of COR firms are in construction, the standard is also used by major business sectors in Alberta and British Columbia. COR is nationally trademarked and endorsed by participating members of the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations President and CEO of Ontario's Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA), Al Beattie. (CFCSA), which includes IHSA as a member. By achieving COR designation, employers are able to demonstrate to buyers of construction that their health and safety management system has been developed, implemented and evaluated on an annual basis through comprehensive internal and external audits. Beattie, who also serves as president of the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation (CHSI) board of directors, said COR is at the very heart Spring/Summer 2014 29

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Generals - Spring/Summer 2014

Chairman’s Message
President’s Message
Member Milestones
Government Relations Report
Index to Advertisers
Partnering: The Deliberate Creation of Culture that Supports Collaboration
75th AGM and Conference – Scottsdale, Arizona
2014 Conference: Las Vegas
OGCA Affinity Program
OGCA 75th Anniversary Gala
The Winds of Change Help Transform the WSIB
COR Designation Provides Safety to Construction Workers and Buyers
Thinking, Working, Growing: Ledcor Group
Bill C-45: Ten Years Later
Workshield Health and Safety Solutions Inc. Formed to Meet the Requirements of New Legislation (297/13)

The Generals - Spring/Summer 2014