An SA 8000 certificate proves that your Social Accountability System has been measured against a best practice standard and found compliant. Issued by a third party certification body/registrar, the certificate lets customers know they can trust that you have implemented the necessary internal processes to ensure basic human rights for your employees.
SA 8000 is a comprehensive, global, verifiable standard for auditing and certifying compliance with corporate responsibility. It is applicable to both small and large companies that want to demonstrate to customers and other stakeholders that they care. The heart of the standard is the belief that all workplaces should be managed in such a manner that basic human rights are supported and that management is prepared to accept accountability for this.
An international perspective
The standard was initiated by Social Accountability International (SAI). SAI is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the development, implementation, and oversight of voluntary verifiable social accountability standards.The SA 8000 system is modelled after the established ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards for Quality and Environmental Management Systems. The standard was developed and field-tested by the non-profit Council on Economic Priorities (CEP), and assisted by an international Advisory Board including representatives of prominent corporations, human rights organisations, certification professionals, academics, and labour.
The standard is based on a number of existing international human rights standards including the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. SA 8000 provides transparent, measurable, verifiable standards for certifying the performance of companies in nine essential areas:
1. Child Labour. Prohibits child labour (under age 15 in most cases). Certified companies must also allocate funds for the education of children who might lose jobs as a result of this standard.
2. Forced Labour. Workers cannot be required to surrender their identity papers or pay “deposits” as a condition of employment.
3. Health and Safety. Companies must meet basic standards for a safe and healthy working environment, including drinkable water, restroom facilities, applicable safety equipment, and necessary training.
4. Freedom of Association. Protects the rights of workers to form and join trade unions and to bargain collectively, without fear of reprisals.
5. Discrimination. No discrimination on the basis of race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, or political affiliation.
6. Disciplinary Practices. Forbids corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion and verbal abuse of workers.
7. Working Hours. Provides for a maximum 48-hour work week, with a minimum one day off per week, and a cap of 12 hours overtime per week remunerated at a premium rate.
8. Compensation. Wages paid must meet all minimum legal standards and provide sufficient income for basic needs, with at least some discretionary income.
9. Management. Defines procedures for effective management implementation and review of SA 8000 compliance, from designating responsible personnel to keeping records, addressing concerns and taking corrective actions