IHSA's Maintenance Action Pilot (MAP) Simplifies the COR® Maintenance Cycle

Staying COR^® Certified just became easier.

Organizations in or beyond their second cycle of the COR^® program have an opportunity to participate in the Maintenance Action Pilot (MAP) program offered by IHSA in Ontario. This innovative initiative takes a fresh approach to refining safety practices during maintenance audits by offering a streamlined process while emphasizing accountability and effective risk management.

This program is designed for firms that have completed one full audit cycle, which includes completion of the initial audit, maintenance years two and three, and an external audit. Instead of an internal maintenance audit, the program focuses on the development and implementation of an action plan during a COR^® maintenance year. MAPs must be initiated immediately after an external audit year and require a full year to implement and complete.

This new approach aims to make the internal maintenance auditing process more efficient and less intrusive while maintaining a high level of safety standards. Furthermore, the pilot program encourages senior management and COR^® internal auditors to remain engaged as they approach their maintenance audit cycles. The method also shifts the review focus towards verifying whether the company has executed the necessary steps, met the required standards, provided evidence, and signed off on corrective actions.

"If you've completed the tasks and can provide documented evidence, we trust your representation of the work done," says David Steinschifter, Manager of Strategic Programs – COR^® at IHSA. This move abbreviates the review process, emphasizing the responsibility of the company to conduct the necessary work and ensuring the accuracy of their OHSMS.

The shift towards the MAP program streamlines the auditing process for both IHSA and participating firms significantly, making it more efficient and beneficial for the client. By placing trust in the client’s representation and evidence, the program ensures a smoother and more streamlined evaluation process. This leads to a more straightforward and efficient issuance of the Letter of Good Standing (LoGS), indicating established, comprehensive safety procedures and compliance with the COR^® standard.

The MAP within the COR^® Program stands as a testament to IHSA's commitment to continuously improving workplace safety. By providing a more streamlined and trust-based evaluation process, it not only simplifies the audit process but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a robust OHSMS. This pilot program sets the stage for a more efficient and cooperative approach between IHSA and businesses that are striving to ensure a safe work environment for all employees.

Please contact us via corexternalaudit@ihsa.ca if you have any pilot related questions or if your firm is interested in participating.