How COR 2020 Improves Workplace Safety and Reduces Incidents
Every employer has a responsibility to provide a safe work environment. Still, it’s more than that — ensuring safety in your workplace is critical to being a successful, productive, and respected organization. For construction, manufacturing, and other higher-risk organizations, using the Certificate of Recognition (COR) 2020 is more than just a “check-the-box” measure—it is a full-scale safety system that proactively decreases incidents and fosters a prevention culture.
We have witnessed firsthand at Health and Safety Advisors the difference COR 2020 has already made in safety performance across all types of industry. Here’s how it works.
Focuses on Proactive Safety Management
COR 2020 focuses on a proactive approach to workplace hazards, asking Groups to discover and control hazards before an incident occurs. This shift from reactive to proactive safety management leads to fewer accidents/injuries, less downtime, and lower compensation payouts.
Strengthens Leadership Accountability
Leadership engagement and accountability are a significant new emphasis in COR 2020. The company must have a health and safety program in place that is supported by an engaged senior management team, ensuring that safety is genuinely part of the company’s culture, not just discussed at a board meeting. When the leadership team prioritizes safety, employees follow suit, resulting in safer work environments.
Improves Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
COR 2020 adds the following new elements for identifying hazards, assessing risk, and determining control measures. Employers are responsible for a comprehensive hazard analysis and implementing adequate controls for all job tasks. By systematically following this process, the likelihood of a mishap or near miss in the workplace is reduced.
Ensures Continuous Improvement
Unlike previous standards, COR 2020 has embedded processes for ongoing assessment and enhancements. Frequent Audits, Checks, and Reviews as your Safety program grows with your operation. You’ll never be left behind; changes happen, and you must follow.
Empowers Workers Through Training and Communication
Workplace safety thrives when everyone is informed and actively participates in the process. COR 2020 requires extensive training, orientation, and safety communication approaches, enabling workers to identify hazards, work safely, and speak up if they see something that isn’t safe.
Establishes Measurable Safety Objectives
Under COR 2020, organizations will need to establish measurable health and safety objectives. By tracking effectiveness using both leading and lagging indicators, you can identify trends, weaknesses, and monitor improvements as you advance your safety program.
Reduces Legal and Financial Risk
Fewer accidents mean fewer claims, lower insurance premiums, and lower legal liabilities. COR 2020 protects companies from expensive fines and safeguards their relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, and communities.
Final Thoughts
To facilitate first-rate customer service and collaboration with carriers, consider your investment in COR 2020 as more than just a checkbox. Companies that establish a culture of safety not only experience fewer incidents, but they also develop trust, maintain high morale, and operate more efficiently.
At Health and Safety Advisors, we are COR 2020 specialists, supporting businesses every step of the way through the process, from gap assessments to final implementation and ongoing support during audits. If you’re prepared to enhance your safety program and reduce the number of workplace incidents, contact us today.