SA 8000 - SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY CERTIFICATION
What is SA 8000 Certification?
SA 8000 is an international certification standard that encourages organizations to develop, maintain and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace.
Since its creation in 1989, the Social Accountability International (SAI) organization, an affiliate of the Council on Economic Priorities, is viewed as the most globally accepted independent workplace standard. The SA 8000 standard can be applied to any company, of any size, worldwide.
SA 8000 certification addresses issues including forced and child labor, occupational health and safety, freedom of association and collective bargaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, compensation, and management systems.
As well as setting workplace standards worldwide, SA 8000 also embraces existing international agreements, including conventions from the International Labor Organization, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Benefits of SA 8000 Certification
Improves the management and performance of your supply chain
Enables you to demonstrate proper social accountability when bidding for international contracts or expanding locally to accommodate new business
Allows you to ensure compliance with global standards and reduce the risk of negligence, public exposure and possible litigation
Proves your commitment to social accountability and to treating your employees ethically and in compliance with global standards
A decrease in the time taken for benchmarking and an increase in the consistency and reliability of those metrics
Supports your corporate vision and build and reinforce the loyalty of your employees, customers and stakeholders
Who can be certified SA 8000 Certification?
The SA 8000 Standard is the world’s leading social certification program. The SA 8000 Standard and Certification System provides a framework for organizations of all types, in any industry, and in any country to conduct business in a way that is fair and decent for workers and to demonstrate their adherence to the highest social standards.
Manufacturing Companies
Service Sector
Hospitals
Electronic Industry
Educational
Engineering
Research Foundation
Fitness Sector
Shipping Industry
Aerospace
Food
Automotive
Telecom
Textile and Apparels
Medical and Test Lab
Software Development
Document required for SA 8000 Certification
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of SA 8000 Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Time Frame
Task
Process
Day 1
GAP Analysis
Certification Body
Selection
Cost Estimates
- Finding the GAP between existing system related to SA 8000 requirements
- Selecting the appropriate certification Body
- Based on the scope of your business & certification Body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
- Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
- Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
- SA 8000 Awareness training for the top management and staff
- Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
- Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to SA 8000 requirements
- Management Review Meetings
- Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Certification Body
Audit
N-C Closing
- Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
- Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification Body
Week 12
Certification Body
- SA 8000 certificates issued for 3 years
- Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
- Support of Yearly documentation for audit
FAQ
SA 8000 is an international certification standard that encourages organizations to develop, maintain and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace. … Certifying your organization against SA 8000 with an SGS audit will help you develop and improve social accountability across your operations.