01-30_GENERALS_Fall25_PT - Flipbook - Page 22
HEALTH AND SAFETY
That shift may carry hidden consequences. Once procurement
dictates the method, it implicitly shares in the outcome. If an
incident occurs and it is shown that the single mandated system
was inadequate for the context, duty of care liabilities may arise.
A more responsible approach is to recognize multiple frameworks, follow the Ministry’s accredited systems, provided they deliver the same end: a functioning safety management system built to
the business’s context. Procurement departments would fare better
by understanding their own due diligence obligations, rather than
trying to outsource responsibility to certi昀椀cates or associations.
of a safety system that meets legal requirements, addresses real
operational hazards, reflects the organization’s context, and can
withstand legal or regulatory scrutiny.
ISO provides global recognition with 昀氀exibility and scalability
across industries of any size, while COR remains tied to a 昀椀xed audit
model that must be re-obtained separately in each province. Both
can add value when designed correctly to organizational context,
but if built to standard or audit questions neither will on its own
ensure safety or shield an employer from liability.
OHSA: The Legal Baseline
At the end of the day, safety is not proven in binders, audits, or
certificates.
Certi昀椀cates can win contracts, but they cannot face families,
withstand legal scrutiny, or restore damaged reputations. Safety
is proven when no parent, spouse, or child is left asking why more
wasn’t done. For an owner, the greatest risk isn’t failing an audit—
it’s failing the people who trusted you with their lives.
Ask yourself: will you leave safety to certi昀椀cates, or take ownership of a system that prevents failure before it ever reaches a
regulator, a courtroom, or a family’s doorstep?
Closing Opinion
Both COR 2020 and ISO 45001 are voluntary. The Occupational
Health and Safety Act and related provincial or federal Acts remain
the law. Employers are legally required to protect workers whether
they hold a certificate or not. Accreditation may support due
diligence, but it cannot provide or replace it.
A Certificate is Due Diligence?
No certificate—ISO, COR, or otherwise—delivers due diligence on
its own. Due diligence is proven through the design and execution
A Certificate is Due Diligence?
No certificate—ISO, COR, or otherwise—
delivers due diligence on its own. Due diligence is proven through the design and
execution of a safety system that meets
legal requirements, addresses real operational hazards, reflects the organization’s
context, and can withstand legal or reguPhone: 1-800-268-4729
latory scrutiny.
Website www.winsan.on.ca
ISO provides global recognition with
E-mail: winsan@winsan.on.ca
flexibility and scalability across industries
of any size, while COR remains tied to a
Single or Double Supreme
“Wheelie”
Condo
Unit
fixed audit
model that
must be
re-obtained separately in each province. Both
Portable Washrooms
WE HAVE HEATED WARM
can add value when designed correctly
With Heated Warm Water clean-up
WATER FOR HAND WASHING TO HELP to organizational context, but if built to
facility inside each unit!
PREVENT OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS standard or audit questions neither will on
& INFECTIOUS DISEASES!
HEATED WARM WATER TEMP OF
its own ensure safety or shield an employ95-110 °F or 35-43° C
er from liability.
All of our toilets can be equipped with Heated
LARGER INTERIOR SPACE,
Warm Water! Only requires 3 Amps electricity
Closing Opinion
FRESH WATER FLUSH,
At the end of the day, safety is not proven
AND NO STEPS TO FALL ON!
in binders, audits, or certificates.
Certificates can win contracts, but
they cannot face families, withstand legal
scrutiny, or restore damaged reputations.
Safety is proven when no parent, spouse,
or child is left asking why more wasn’t
done. For an owner, the greatest risk isn’t
failing an audit—it’s failing the people
who trusted you with their lives.
Ask yourself: will you leave safety to
certificates, or take ownership of a system
that prevents failure before it ever reaches
a regulator, a courtroom, or a family’s
doorstep?
22 the generals • FALL 2025
THEGENERALS.NET
