SUSTAINABILITY
Social Accountability, SA 8000
About Social Accountability, SA 8000
Developed in 1989 by Social Accountability International (SAI), SA8000Â is an auditable certification standard for organizations to embed socially acceptable practices in the workplace.
SA8000 is based on the principles of international human rights norms as described in International Labour Organization conventions, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
SA8000 assesses organisations in eight key areas, critical to social accountability in the workplace:
- child labour,
- forced labour,
- health and safety,
- free association and collective bargaining,
- discrimination,
- disciplinary practices,
- working hours,
- compensation
Organisations seeking certification, have to integrate the eight key areas into their management practices and demonstrate ongoing compliance.
Why it matters
SA8000 certification provides a report of good social accountability practice to consumers and buyers.
Adopting SA8000 brings:
- competitive advantage as suppliers for global brands and retailers who increasingly demand social accountability as a pre-condition to commercial transactions / relationships.
- improved staff morale.
- reliable business partnerships. enhanced competitiveness, less staff turnover and better worker-manager communication.