What does SA 8000 Social Responsibility contribute?
The SA8000 standard is an international social responsibility standard that certifies that a company complies with fair and ethical working conditions. Its implementation brings multiple benefits to both the organisation and its employees and stakeholders.
SA8000 improves working conditions
The SA8000 certificate improves working conditions by guaranteeing fundamental rights, such as the prohibition of child and forced labour, safety in the workplace, freedom of association and equal opportunities. This not only benefits employees, but also strengthens the company’s image and reputation.
The SA8000 “Social Accountability 8000” standard is a voluntary certification that seeks to improve working conditions worldwide. SA 8000 Social Responsibility certification is based on international agreements on working conditions, which include issues such as social justice and workers’ rights. Some of these agreements are the Conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and SAI – Social Accountability.
SA8000 improves customer confidence and satisfaction
Secondly, it increases customer and investor confidence, as it demonstrates a genuine commitment to ethics and sustainability. Many multinational companies demand social responsibility standards in their supply chain, so having certification opens up business opportunities.
SA8000 improves internal management
This standard certifies management in Ethics and Social Responsibility. It requires organisations that wish to do so, or that are required to do so by international markets in order to export, to verify that their production processes offer conditions of well-being, respect for human rights, free association and fair wages, and do not involve any form of abuse or discrimination.
Other CSR standards include SGE21 Forética, Ecovadis sustainability, SMETA 2-pillar and 4-pillar audits, Lucie Progress, B-Corp and GRI reporting, among others.
SA8000 Social Responsibility Requirements
Among its main requirements, it prohibits child labour and forced labour, ensuring that employees work voluntarily and without coercion. It also requires adequate health and safety conditions, ensuring risk-free working environments for employees.
The standard protects freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, allowing workers to organise and defend their rights. It also establishes the elimination of any form of discrimination based on gender, religion, race or any other condition.
SA8000 also regulates working hours, setting limits to prevent labour exploitation and ensuring a living wage in accordance with applicable legislation. Another key requirement is the implementation of management systems to ensure compliance with the standard, including internal audits and continuous improvement mechanisms.
SA8000-certified organisations demonstrate their commitment to business ethics, enhancing their reputation and building trust among customers, suppliers and workers, promoting responsible practices in the supply chain.
Minimum conditions for a safe and healthy working environment; freedom of association and collective bargaining; Business strategy for addressing work-related social issues. It contains rules regarding working hours, wages, the fight against discrimination and child or forced labour.
To obtain certification, it is necessary to implement a management system that promotes socially acceptable working practices that are beneficial throughout the supply chain.
Companies can apply for SA8000 certification through one of the accredited prestigious ISO certifiers. It involves an initial audit and periodic monitoring.