We’ve just been through another busy audit season, and once again, it was a stressful, rushed process for many companies. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By reflecting on what the most successful companies do to achieve ISO or COR certification, I’ve identified five best practices that make the process as smooth and painless as possible.
1. Want It!
Achieving COR certification takes motivation and effort. Hoping for it isn’t enough! Here are the key factors to consider.
- Engage Stakeholders: Ensure all key stakeholders, especially management, are on board. Management commitment is crucial and can make or break the certification process.
- Secure Buy-In: Gain support from all levels of the organization. Executive-level buy-in drives commitment and prioritization, creating a safety-first culture.
2. Create a Plan
Certification doesn’t happen overnight. Thoughtful planning is essential.
- Set Goals: Your goals should encompass all policies, procedures, and processes needed to meet certification requirements. This includes implementing SOPs, SWOPs, and other critical safety documentation.
- Establish KPIs and Timelines: Create realistic KPIs to track progress. Use regular checkpoints to identify and address issues early.
3. Put Resources in Place to Support the Plan
Having the right resources ensures a smooth process.
- Time: Dedicate sufficient time each week to work on certification. If your process is manual and you have a 100 to 200-person company, this can average 10 to 15 hours per week, encompassing document updates, inspections, and team coordination. If you have an automated solution, this effort can be reduced by as much as 50%, thanks to features like automated reminders, real-time data access, and streamlined reporting.
- Human Resources: Assign dedicated personnel to manage and oversee the certification process. Clear roles and responsibilities are key.
- Budget for Safety Supplies: Allocate capital for training, consulting services, signage, PPE, and other safety essentials.
- Digital Tools: A robust digital health and safety solution simplifies compliance. The best offer real-time data, automated reminders, and centralized document storage, and, as noted above, can save you a lot of time and reduce errors.
4. Implement the Plan
Execution is where most companies struggle. Here’s how to stay on track.
- Empower the Right People: Assign roles to capable individuals and give them the authority to act.
- Take Action: This is the hardest part. Do what you set out to do with real intention. You can invest all the money you want, but until the work is done, certification won’t happen.
5. Commit to Continuous Improvement
Certification isn’t the finish line; it’s the first step in building a lasting safety culture.
- Post-Audit Debrief: Measure your success against the goals you set and identify deficiencies.
- Fill the Gaps: Address any weaknesses and ensure they don’t carry over to the next cycle.
- Plan Ahead: Use a calendar (digital compliance calendars are terrific tools) to schedule next year’s audit milestones and start planning early.
Building a Painless Audit Process
Achieving COR certification doesn’t have to be painful. With proper planning, commitment, and the right tools, you can create a streamlined, proactive process. Remember, certification is not the goal line—it’s just the beginning of continuous improvement in your health and safety program.
Need help preparing for an audit or have questions about this article? Contact us or reach out to Cam Mitchell directly at Cam@kasaconsulting.ca.