SA8000 is a certifiable workplace standard based on International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the local labor law. SA8000 is focused on evaluating management systems within an organization established to ensure compliance with Labor Laws, Human Rights and Health & Safety.
SA 8000
Audit Methodology
- Third party accredited certification scheme
- Registration and completion of the Self-Assessment on the SAI Database is required prior to the audit.
- Audits can only be conducted by accredited SA8000 certification bodies (CB).
Elements of the standard:
1. Child labor
2. Forced or compulsory labor
3. Health & safety
4. Freedom of association & right to collective bargaining
5. Discrimination
6. Disciplinary practices
7. Working hours
8. Remuneration
9. Management system such as: policies, procedures, complaint management, training, capacity building, management of supplies and contractors.
Audit Tools
- Social Fingerprint Self-Assessment Questionnaire to be completed by the Organization seeking on the SAI Database prior to starting the audit process.
- Maturity Declaration to be completed by the certification body (CB) on the SAI Database.
- Final Audit Report provided by certification body (CB) to the organization at the end of each audit activity.
- Corrective Action Report provided by the CB to the organization at the time of the closing meeting.
How long is the SA8000 Certification valid?
The Certification cycle lasts three years. This consists of Stage 1 and Stage 2 Certification Audits, and periodic on site and off site surveillance activities throughout the three year cycle.
Benefits of having a SA8000 certification:
- SA8000 Certification distinguishes your organization as complying with stringent requirements regarding your organization’s management systems and its effective implementation.
- Management systems, worker engagement, a culture of continuous improvement, and other elements of SA8000 not only lead to better working conditions and worker well-being, they also have benefits for productivity, stakeholder relationships, market access, and more.
- More effective management systems that improve workflows throughout the organization, resulting in:
- Improved quality and productivity
- Better hazard and risk detection
- Increased supply chain control
- Higher employee retention
- Enhanced reputation, appeal to global buyers, and preferential status in government tenders
- In order to achieve SA8000 certification, an organization has to demonstrate that they meet a standard for worker safety and well-being. The benefits to employees working in SA8000-certified organizations include:
- Safe workplaces and healthy working conditions
- A living wage
- Increased awareness of rights and opportunities to organize
- Better relationships with management and more input in workplace decision-making
- Brands and retailers that accept SA8000 certification in lieu of first- or second-party social auditing experience benefit from:
- SA8000’s comprehensive social compliance program
- Third-party oversight for quality assurance
- Supplier ownership of social compliance program
- More resources for capacity-building and other social programs, as they are no longer needed for company code-of-conduct audits
How does it work?
