The HSG Certification Roadmap: Your Path to Success
Our proven approach has guided companies of all sizes to successful certification:
Phase 1: Gap Analysis & Strategic Planning
Before diving into preparation, we conduct a thorough assessment of your current program against certification standards:
- Comprehensive review of existing documentation and practices
- Identification of specific gaps and development needs
- Customized preparation plan with realistic timelines
- Resource allocation recommendations
This critical first step ensures your preparation efforts target actual needs rather than assumptions.
Phase 2: Program Development & Implementation
Based on your gap analysis, we help you develop and implement the required elements:
- Customized policy and procedure development
- Practical forms and processes that work in your environment
- Management and worker training on new requirements
- Implementation support to ensure practices match documentation
Our development approach focuses on creating systems that add value to your operations, not just satisfy auditors.
Phase 3: Pre-Audit Preparation & Verification
Before your official audit, we conduct a thorough verification to ensure readiness:
- Mock audit to identify any remaining gaps
- Documentation, organization and preparation
- Management and worker interview preparation
- Correction of any identified deficiencies
This critical step significantly increases first-time certification success rates.
Phase 4: Audit Support & Deficiency Management
During and after your audit, we provide continued support:
- Guidance throughout the audit process
- Assistance with auditor questions and requests
- Review of audit results and recommendations
- Development of corrective action plans for any deficiencies
Our support doesn't end when the auditor arrives. We stay with you until certification is achieved.
Phase 5: Maintenance & Continuous Improvement
Certification is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment:
- Quarterly program reviews to ensure continued compliance
- Implementation support for required activities
- Preparation for annual maintenance audits
- Continuous improvement recommendations
Our maintenance support ensures you retain your certification while continuing to strengthen your safety program.
Client Success Story: From Struggling to Certified in 90 Days
When a mid-sized construction company approached us after failing their initial COR audit, they were frustrated and considering abandoning certification altogether. Their challenges included:
- Incomplete documentation scattered across multiple locations
- Inconsistent implementation of existing procedures
- Limited internal resources for program development
- Approaching the deadline for a major contract requiring certification
Our approach included:
- Successful certification achieved within 90 days
- 92% overall audit score (up from 63% on their failed attempt)
- Qualification for a major contract worth over $2 million
- 15% reduction in WCB premiums the following year
- Improved operational efficiency and reduced incident rates
Your Certification Journey Starts Here
Whether you're pursuing certification for the first time or looking to improve an existing program, Hutton Safety Group provides the expertise, tools, and support you need to succeed.
Our approach is different because:
- We focus on creating valuable safety systems, not just documentation
- We provide practical implementation support, not just theoretical guidance
- We prepare your team for the audit process, not just the paperwork
- We stay with you through maintenance, not just initial certification
With our guidance, certification becomes not just achievable but valuable, transforming what many see as a necessary burden into a genuine business advantage.