Social Accountability Services

The Social Accountability 8000 standard exists as an internationally accepted social accountability standard which Social Accountability International developed. The standard provides organizations with a framework which they use to create and sustain workplace practices that meet social acceptability standards. The standard uses internationally recognized conventions which include International Labor Organization ILO standards and Universal Declaration of Human Rights and United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child agreements. SA 8000 aims to ensure organizations conduct their business through socially responsible practices which include human rights respect and fair labor and safe employee working conditions. The standard applies to organizations across all industries and business sizes while it requires organizations to provide employees with fair treatment and maintain open operations and develop their social performance. Organizations can implement SA 8000 as a complete system which they can use alongside ISO 9001 ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems. The implementation process helps organizations showcase their dedication to social responsibility and legal compliance and sustainable business operations.

SA 8000 (Social Accountability 8000) is an internationally recognized standard for social accountability in the workplace.

The organization uses this standard to ensure that employees there work under conditions which respect their rights and treat them fairly. Social Accountability International (SAI) developed this standard to apply to organizations regardless of their size or industry or their geographical location.

Objective of SA 8000

Organizations need to establish proper systems which help them to protect human rights. The organizations must create work environments which guarantee employee safety and health protection. The organizations need to operate their business activities according to international conventions together with national labor regulations.

Key Areas / Requirements of SA 8000

SA 8000 is structured around 9 core elements:

The following terms require definition through their respective explanations which follow each word. The first word to define is Child Labour. The second word to define is Forced or Compulsory Labour. The third word to define is Health and Safety Regulations. The fourth word to define is Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining. The fifth word to define is Discrimination. The sixth word to define is Disciplinary Practices. The seventh word to define is Working Hours. The eighth word to define is Remuneration. The ninth word to define is Management System.

Applicability

SA 8000 is widely adopted in:

  • Manufacturing
  • Textiles & garments
  • Pharmaceuticals & medical devices
  • Electronics
  • Service industries
  • Export-oriented companies

 Certification & Audit

  • Certification is done by SAI-accredited certification bodies
  • Validity: 3 years (with surveillance audits)