Details on the COR and PIR Program

Note: “ Partnerships’ On Site Audit Review Process is now under way”.
For more information please click here

What is the PIR Program?

PIR has contributed to a reduction in the number of injuries and the claim costs associated with those injuries through the combined efforts of employers, Workplace Partnerships certifying partners and the WCB. It offers premium rate discounts to employers who have successfully implemented health, safety, and disability management programs and have achieved the Certificate of Recognition (COR) standards set by Workplace Partnerships and their certifying partner. The program has proven successful in the promotion of health and safety in Alberta.

Why are changes being made to the PIR Program?

Changes to the program are geared toward increasing employer participation in the program, resulting in an increased number of safer worksites in Alberta; and more timely payment of earned rebates to participants of the program. In the past employers have expressed concerns about the investment to set up an effective health mad safety program and have chosen not to participate in the program.

What changes are being made to the PIR program and when are they effective?

First-time COR holders will receive a minimum 10% rebate for the first year of the program.
While it is generally recognized that a COR is an investment in a company's future, the initial time commitment and financial investment discourages many employers from obtaining their COR and thereby participating in the PIR program. Offering a 10% rebate of premiums paid to first-time COR holders, as a minimum return on investment, will increase employer commitment and desire to enrol in this program and complete the necessary requirements to achieve and maintain their COR.

PIR Rebate in the year the COR is achieved

Given that current year rebates are not paid until May of the following year, turnaround for the financial incentive can exceed a full 12-month period. By amending the payment date for first-time COR holders to the date notice is received that they have obtained a COR, participants will receive rebates from the PIR program sooner which offsets their initial investment in safety. Program changes are effective for the 2005 PIR program year.

Can employers earn more than a 10% rebate in their first year of the program?
Yes. They earn a 10% rebate for achieving a COR but are also eligible for the other two measures in PIR - Improving Your Performance and Maintaining Industry Leadership. Achieving on these other two measures could push the total PIR refund up to 20%.

After the first year of the program what incentives are in place for PIR participants?
In year two of the program the incentive for maintaining COR reverts to a 5% discount but participants can still earn up to a maximum rebate of 20% for industry leadership or improved performance.

Do employers need to register with us prior to the year they want to participate in the program?
No. Once employers achieve their COR, they become eligible for a rebate in the year they earned it. They still must register in PIR, but the registration is effective at the time of earning a COR.

For more information, call toll-free from anywhere In Alberta: 1-866-WCB-WCB1 (1-866-922-9221)
Outside of Alberta call 1-800-661-9608. You can e-mail us at: contactcentre@wcb.ab.ca or visit our website: www.wcb.ab.ca

How Can My Company Become a COR Holder?

The COR is awarded Workplace Partnerships and AMTA. Employers who have met the standard set by these two agencies, with their standards being verified by an external/ internal evaluation of the companies Health and Safety Program.

The CEO, President, owner or other senior manager must attend the AMTA Transportation Safety Basics Course (TSB). The designated safety person must also attend.
Each participant will need the services of an external/internal auditor. The auditor is:
• Trained through the AMTA as an “internal auditor from within member companies
• External auditors are selected from AMTA staff evaluator; or
• Are selected from a group of contract auditors who meet the AMTA standard for program evaluations.
Note: The cost of the evaluations are borne by participating employers so the most cost effective method will be determined by AMTA and the Company in question.
Employers will arrange with AMTA a suitable time to have the external evaluation of the Company’s Health and Safety Program conducted. When the audit meets all standards, the AMTA will issue a COR in conjunction with Alberta Human Resources and Employment.
Once a COR has been issued it is valid for 3 years as long as all maintenance requirements are met. (First Year requires an external evaluation next two years require internal evaluations)

For more information on the COR Program, contact Fred Gould in Calgary at 403-214-3440 or by email at fredg1@amta.ca.

For more information on the TSB course, contact Lindsay Wagner in the Edmonton Office at 780-448-7456 or toll free in Alberta at 1-877-448-7456.

Frequently asked questions for the Small Employer COR program

Do I LOSE my PIR REFUND if I do not submit my internal (maintenance) audit to the AMTA?

How do I maintain my Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (COR)?

Complete an ANNUAL self assessment audit document and submit the document to the AMTA for review.
A Commissioner for Oaths validation is not required in SECOR maintenance years

If I have more than one WCB account and/or industry code how do I get a rebate for all operations?

The employer must register EACH INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT it wishes to have involved in the PIR program. Employers with multiple industry codes must also indicate which industry code(s) they wish to have registered in the program.
The employer must achieve a COR for each WCB account and industry code registered to be eligible for premium discounts linked to those operations.

If I am a member of the AMTA, am I automatically signed up in PIR?

Employers must register with WCB in Edmonton at (780) 498-7936
There is no fee for registration, and no penalty for not succeeding in the program.
Registration must take place prior to the end of a calendar year in order to be eligible the following year.
Once registered you do not need to re-register for three (3) years.
An employer must indicate their Certifying Partner on the registration form.

Do I have to do an audit every year to participate in PIR?

In order to receive a premium incentive through PIR, an employer must have a valid COR.
Achieving COR requires an external audit of an employer’s health and safety management system to demonstrate that it meets the required standards.
Yes, to maintain a COR the following is required:
Year 1 - Certification - External Auditor only
Year 2 - Maintenance Audit - Conducted by an External or Internal Auditor
Year 3 - Maintenance Audit - Conducted by an External or Internal Auditor
Year 4 - Re-certification - External Auditor only
A second maintenance audit (internal) conducted within the second calendar year after the COR issue date. Maintenance audits must be undertaken by a Certified Auditor (who may be an employee).

Do I lose my refund if I sign up for PIR and I don’t succeed in getting a COR in the first year?

The Improving Your Performance discounts that an employer may have earned in the first year of program participation will be carried forward for up to a full calendar year when an employer does not achieve a COR.
The discount would be paid to an employer at the end of the second year if a COR is achieved at that time, along with any discounts earned in the second year.
The 5% guaranteed discount for achieving a COR would not apply until the year that an employer acquires their COR.

Alberta Motor Transport Association
#1, 285005 Wrangler Way , Rocky View, Alberta T1X 0K3
#245, 17010 - 103 Avenue , Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1K7
Tel: (1-800-267-1003 | Fax: (403) 243-4610