IHSA COR™ Podcast
The IHSA COR™ Podcast is a free podcast series from the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) that seeks to provide information and resources for organizations interested in achieving and maintaining COR™ in Ontario. Each episode explores best practices, resources, and record keeping to complete and present successful COR™ audits.
Episode 46: The External Audit Process
In our final episode of this series, IHSA’s Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, outlines what to expect for the external audit process. This discussion is intended to give COR™ Internal Auditors and Senior Managers a sense of what the external audit experience will include.
Episode 45: COR™ 2020 Transition Tool
Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, addresses the difference between the COR™ 2020 Audit tool and the COR™ Transition Tool to outline how and when the transition tool is best used.
Episode 44: The COR™ Experience
Our guests, Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, and IHSA’s Manager of Strategic programs, David Steinschifter, provide an overview of the process, expected timelines, and milestones—from submitting the first Internal Audit to achieving a certificate for an organization’s achieving COR™ for the first time.
Episode 43: Procedures for Procedures
The COR™ 2020 Audit Tool includes requirements for organizations to develop Procedure for writing certain procedures. The concept around this is one of the more common questions IHSA receives and it is worth a discussion. Our guests for this episode are HSMS Consultants (COR™), David Dametto and Michael Falls, and they walk us through these concepts.
Episode 42: Formal Controls (Element 2 vs. Element 3)
This episode goes over the differences and expectations for Element 2 – Hazard Assessment, Analysis and Control, and Element 3 – Controls. Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, joins us to outline the important distinction.
Episode 41: Identifying and Complying with Legislation
Element 13 in the COR™ 2020 Audit Tool specifically addresses legislation, but this important concept also affects every element through the system. Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, returns to tackle this topic and discuss how the Elements of the previous COR™ Audit Tool are now included for those who are transitioning from COR™ to COR™ 2020.
Episode 40: Equipment Pre-Use Inspection vs. Preventative Maintenance
The COR™ 2020 Audit Tool includes requirements for Pre-Use Inspection (Element 9) and Preventative Maintenance (Element 7). The difference between these and how to apply them is another common question IHSA receives. HSMS Consultants (COR™), David Dametto and Michael Falls, are our guests for this episode and they walk us through these concepts.
Episode 39: Competency vs. Training
Element 8.1 includes specific, separate questions about competency and training, as well as the difference between these and how to apply them—this is one of the common questions IHSA receives. Our guests for this episode, HSMS Consultants (COR™), David Dametto and Michael Falls, walk us through these concepts.
Episode 38: COR™2020 Pre-assessment
Pre-assessment is a step in the review of any internal audit submission to IHSA. It is in place to ensure that avoidable administrative issues with the audit review are identified and addressed prior to the submission being assigned for full detailed review.
This first of six episodes (38-43) will walk through what the pre-assessment process includes so that COR™ Internal Auditors and Senior Managers can complete the same steps before submitting. IHSA’s Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, leads this conversation with HSMS Consultants (COR™), Deborah Moskal and Maren Gamble.
Episode 37: COR™ 2020 Document and Record Control
We have covered Policy Statement, Procedures, and Implementation in our previous three episodes for this four-part series. This leaves the last component of the structure used throughout the COR™ 2020 Audit Tool: Document and Record Control. IHSA Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, returns to discuss this critical piece through a critical look at Element 1.2 and its connection to the other elements.
Episode 36: COR™ 2020 Implementation
IHSA Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, and HSMS Consultant (COR™), Deborah Moskal, continue their discussion from the previous episode and connect procedures to implementation. This episode on implementation requirements from COR™ 2020 outlines the important connection between the procedures for each element and the implementation scoring that is available.
Episode 35: COR™2020 Procedures
This episode focuses on COR™ 2020 Procedure requirements. IHSA Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, and HSMS Consultant (COR™), Deborah Moskal, discuss approaches to tackling the procedure questions in order to produce effective and efficient procedures that will work for your organization and satisfy the COR™ 2020 requirements.
Episode 34: COR™2020 Policy Statements
The next four episodes (34-37) will address the key components of the COR™2020 Audit Tool: Policy, Procedure, Implementation, Document, and Record Control.
This first of the four episodes on the key components of the COR™ Audit Tool focuses on Policy Statements, with IHSA Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith. This discussion looks at the structure and expectations for Policy Statements as well as the intent of including these in the COR™ 2020 Audit Tool.
Episode 33: COR™ 2020 E-file and Alternatives
In the final episode of our six-part series focusing on COR™ 2020 resources, IHSA’s Manager of Strategic programs, David Steinschifter, discusses the e-file submission resource along with other submission alternatives. Recorded March 2022.
Episode 32: COR™ 2020 Audit Handbook
In this discussion, IHSA’s Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, focuses on the COR™ 2020 Audit handbook as a key resource that COR™ Internal Auditors and Senior Managers should be aware of. The handbook is available to download from the COR™ 2020 subpage at IHSA.ca, and the version referenced in the podcast is July 2020. Recorded March 2022
Episode 31: COR™ 2020 Program Guidelines
In this episode, Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, and HSMS Consultant (COR™), Deborah Moskal, focus on the COR™ 2020 Program Guideline, which is available for download on IHSA.ca’s COR™ 2020 subpage. The COR™ 2020 Program Guidelines version referenced in this podcast is February 2020. Recorded March 2022.
Episode 30: COR™ 2020 Audit Tool Part 2
After a targeted discussion of the Audit Information Form in episode 29, Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, and IHSA’s Manager of Strategic programs, David Steinschifter, carry out a review of the general structure of the COR™ 2020 Audit Tool. Our expert guests discuss how it is laid out and how to interpret and use the information. Interested COR™ Internal Auditors and Senior Managers will gain a better understanding of how to make the most of the COR™2020 Audit Tool. Recorded March 2022.
Episode 29: COR™ 2020 Audit Tool Part 1
In this episode, IHSA’s Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, is back for a targeted review of the Audit Information Form section of the COR™ 2020 Audit Tool. Peter discusses how this sheet of the Tool should be completed, as well as the intent behind the information being gathered. Interested COR™ Internal Auditors and Senior Managers will gain a better understanding of how to make the most of this section and move successfully through the pre-assessment stage of the audit review with maximum efficiency.
Episode 28: The COR™ website
In this first of six episodes looking at COR™ 2020 resources, we welcome IHSA’s Lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, and IHSA’s Manager of Strategic Programs, David Steinschifter. This episode provides an overview of using IHSA’s website and the COR™ page, and shows listeners how to access the available resources for COR™ 2020. Our expert guests outline how to avoid confusion and pitfalls while maximizing your access to the best and most current information.
Episode 27: What is COR 2020?
This episode serves as an introduction to the COR™ 2020 program in Ontario. Peter Smith, IHSA COR™ Lead Auditor, discusses the reasons why COR™ needed to be updated, who was involved in its development, why it was built the way it was, and the benefits. Peter also guides listeners through some of the changes made to this updated version of COR™.
Episode 26: Preparing for the External Audit
Sam Pitaro, Lead COR™ Auditor, brings his experience with the external audit process to this episode as he outlines what to expect during the audit as well as how to achieve a smooth and successful experience. Sam and Stacey Blea also talk about important timelines and administration associated with an external audit.
Episode 25: Preparing a Corrective Action Plan
This episode addresses the corrective action plan for the COR™ audit. Scott Needs, HSMS Consultant – COR™, joins in to describe the purpose and mandatory features of this document within the COR™ process as well as providing tips for making this document add real value to the OHSMS for your organization.
Episode 24: Understanding your Audit Results
In this episode, Stacey Blea, HSMS Consultant – COR™, discusses what to expect during your internal audit results debrief. Sam Pitaro, Lead COR™ Auditor, provides insight into this experience and how to maximize its benefits for your organization.
Episode 23: Element 19 - Management Review
In this episode, Stacey Blea, HSMS Consultant – COR™, and Sam Pitaro, Lead COR™ Auditor, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 19: Management Review. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 22: Element 18 - Return to Work
In this episode, Stacey Blea, HSMS Consultant – COR™, and John Kelly, Lead COR™ Auditor, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 18: Return to Work. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 21: Element 17 - Workplace Violence & Harassment
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Maren Gamble, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 17: Workplace Violence & Harassment. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 20: Element 16 - Joint Health & Safety Committees and Health & Safety Representatives
In this episode, Stacey Blea and David Dametto, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 16: Joint Health & Safety Committees and Health & Safety Representatives. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 19: Element 15 - First Aid
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Maren Gamble, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 15: First Aid. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 18: Element 14 - Occupational Health
In this episode, Stacey Blea, HSMS Consultant – COR™, and John Kelly, Lead COR™ Auditor, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 14: Occupational Health. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 17: Element 13 - Legislation
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Scott Needs, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 13: Legislation. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 16: Element 12 - Statistics & Records
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Scott Needs, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 12: Statistics & Records. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 15: Element 11 - Emergency Preparedness
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Scott Needs, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 11: Emergency Preparedness. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 14: Element 10 - Investigations & Reporting
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Deborah Moskal, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 10: Investigations & Reporting. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 13: Element 9 - Workplace Inspections
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Maren Gamble, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 9: Workplace Inspections. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 12: Element 8 - Training & Communications
In this episode, Stacey Blea and David Dametto, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 8: Training & Communications. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 11: Element 7 - Preventative Maintenance
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Maren Gamble, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 7: Maintenance Tools, Equipment, Vehicles & Facilities. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 10: Element 6 - Personal Protective Equipment
In this episode, Stacey Blea and David Dametto, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 6: Personal Protective Equipment. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 9: Element 5 - Company Health & Safety Rules
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Deborah Moskal, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 5: Company Health & Safety Rules. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 8: Element 4 - Safe Work Procedures
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Deborah Moskal, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Elements 3&4: Safe Work Practices & Safe Job Procedures. Each question from these elements of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 7: Element 3 - Safe Work Practices
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Deborah Moskal, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 3: Safe Work Practices. Each question from these elements of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 6: Element 2 - Hazard Assessment, Analysis & Control
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Maren Gamble, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 2: Hazard Assessment, Analysis and Control. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 5: Element 1 - Health & Safety Policy Statement
In this episode, Stacey Blea and Maren Gamble, HSMS Consultants – COR™, discuss the best way to approach your internal audit submission for Element 1: Health & Safety Policy Statement. Each question from this element of the audit tool will be reviewed for insight into intent, common issues, and tips.
Episode 4: Common Problems in a COR™ Internal Audit Submission
Lead Auditor, Peter Smith, goes over some of the common problems with COR™ Internal Audit submissions which, if avoided, could help strengthen your own submissions and make for an efficient review by the IHSA.
Episode 3: Preparing for the Internal Audit
In this episode, Stacey Blea, Health and Safety Management Systems Consultant – COR™, speaks to lead COR™ Auditor, Peter Smith, about what is involved in preparing for an internal COR™ audit. They look at what’s required in setting up for a successful internal audit including resources, training, and official documents.
Episode 2: Introducing the COR™ Team
This episode introduces IHSA’s COR™ team and looks at the various important roles each member plays in IHSA’s COR™ program. Guests include: Scott Needs, Maren Gamble, Deb Moskal, David Dametto, Peter Smith, John Kelly, and Sam Pitaro.
Episode 1: Getting Started with COR™
This conversation with Paul Casey, Vice-President of Programs and Strategic Development, and David Steinschifter, Manager of Strategic Programs, provides an overview and starting point for those interested in getting into COR™ in Ontario. Paul and David discuss the history of COR™, its proven benefits, and the impact it is having across Ontario.
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ABOUT IHSA
The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) is Ontario’s trusted health and safety resource. Our goal is to improve the lives of Ontario workers. We provide resources and training to control and eliminate safety hazards in work environments involving high-risk activities.
At IHSA we have always maintained a standard of excellence. We are proud of our role in helping to make Ontario one of the safest places in the world to work. Our focus is on workers and on keeping our promise to provide them with the tools to Work Safe for Life.
As part of Ontario’s health and safety system, we are recognized by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board as designated trainers and consultants. So you can be sure that the training you get from IHSA meets regulatory requirements and compliance standards.