Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WorkSafeBC is continuing to determine how best to support employers, certifying partners, and other stakeholders with 2021 COR program requirements. 

If you’re concerned about your in-progress or upcoming 2021 COR audit, reach out to BC Forest Safety Council’s SAFE Companies team for support and guidance. If you need to contact the WorkSafeBC COR team directly, please email partners.program@worksafebc.com. For more on WorkSafeBC’s response to the pandemic, refer to the COVID-19 information and resources page.

The COR program encourages employers to create an occupational health and safety management system that goes beyond current legal requirements. The voluntary program recognizes employers that are proactive about improving workplace safety, and dedicated to continual improvement. The BCFSC is a Certifying Partner for the COR Program.  If an employer is COR certified at any point this calendar year, BCFSC advises the employer of the audit results and submits the results to WorkSafeBC to be considered for an incentive as early as the second quarter of the following year.  COR certification can be verified using the Employer search tool.  If this online verification is not sufficient, an employer may request a COR certificate by contacting SAFE Companies.

COR incentive 

The financial incentive is an important part of the COR program.  If an employer has achieved COR certification and is in good standing with WorkSafeBC, the employer will be considered for an incentive approval.  It's important to note that incentives and COR certificates are two different streams. You may have a valid COR certificate and still not be approved for an incentive. To be approved for an incentive, the employer must be in good standing with WorkSafeBC.  

The employer will not be approved for an incentive if, in the previous year, it has:

• Engaged in activity that would cause WorkSafeBC to impose, or consider imposing, an administrative penalty
• Suppressed claims for compensation or a claim cost 
• An outstanding balance related to your WorkSafeBC employer account 
• Failed to register with WorkSafeBC 
• Not reported payroll to WorkSafeBC for the audit year 
• Engaged in any misconduct WorkSafeBC considers inconsistent with participation in the COR program 

Beginning in May/June 2021, WorkSafeBC will no longer mail COR financial incentives as physical cheques. Instead, if an employer meets the program’s incentive eligibility criteria, the payment will be credited directly to the employer’s WorkSafeBC account. This change will eliminate delays in reimbursement created by mail delivery disruptions or outdated contact information, will eliminate the step requiring the cheque to be deposited, and it will reduce the environmental footprint. If you have any questions about this change, please email partners.program@worksafebc.com.