SA 8000 (Corporate Social Responsibility)

What is SA 8000 Standard?

This is an international standard and specifies requirements for Social Accountability based on international human rights norms and national labor laws that will protect and empower all personnel within scope of an organization’s control and influence. Personnel who produce products or provide services to the organization including personnel employed by the sub-contractors are included in the preview of this standard. .

  • This standard specifies various criteria related to work force which the management is required to establish in the organization and comply with their requirements. These requirements apply equally and universally to all organizations irrespective of their geographic location, industry sector, business volume and organization size. The organization shall also comply with national and other applicable law, other requirements to which the company subscribes, and this standard. Social Accountability Criteria have been based upon principles of various international instruments related to labour.
  • Key requirements are appended below in a summarized manner.
  • Do not hire / use child labour.
  • Do not engage in use of forced labour.
  • Provide a safe and healthy working environment and shall take adequate steps to prevent accidents and injury to health of employees while on duty
  • Respect the right of all personnel to form and join trade unions of their choice and to bargain collectively
  • NO discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, or political affiliation.
  • Not to engage in use of corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion, and verbal abuse.
  • Comply with applicable laws and industry standards on working hours. In any event, personnel shall not, on a regular basis, be required to work in excess of 48 hours per week and shall be provided with at least one day off for every seven day period.
  • Wages for a standard working week to meet at least legal or industry minimum standards.
  • Establish a policy for social accountability and labour conditions & ensure that it is publicly available.
  • Periodical review of implementation of social accountability system
  • Appointment of a Mgmt. Rep who shall ensure compliance to the requirements of this standard.
  • Control of Suppliers by their selection, commitment and monitoring compliance.