INSTITUTE FOR STANDARD AND QUALITY DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
19/01/2024
SA 8000 is the leading social accountability certification standard for manufacturing facilities and organizations worldwide. Developed by SAI in 1997 as a multi-stakeholder initiative, this standard has evolved into a comprehensive framework that helps certified organizations demonstrate their commitment to fair treatment of workers.
SA 8000 is the first auditable standard in the field of social accountability. This standard is compatible with the structure of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 standards, and is built based on conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The standard was developed with the ultimate goal of promoting a healthy working environment and protecting workers’ rights. Currently, Vietnam is a member of all three of these conventions.
The SA8000 standard can be applied to all types of organizations regardless of size, business sector, or geographical location worldwide.
SA8000 certification is internationally recognized. The development and assessment of management systems to promote socially acceptable working practices will provide benefits for businesses.
To better understand the SA 8000 – Social Accountability Management System standard, it is necessary to mention SAI and SAAS.
SAI stands for Social Accountability International. It is a global non-governmental organization established in 1997 with the purpose of promoting human rights in the workplace.
SAI’s long-term goal is to create decent workplaces everywhere, with the understanding that socially responsible workplaces bring benefits to businesses while ensuring fundamental human rights.
By developing multi-industry standards such as SA8000, Social Fingerprint, Ten Squared, and other training and capacity-building programs, SAI empowers employees and managers at all levels of enterprises and suppliers to proactively take responsibility.
SAI is a pioneer in policy development and implementation, working with many stakeholder groups including brands, suppliers, governments, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions.
SAAS stands for Social Accreditation Services. This organization was formerly part of SAI and later became an independent non-profit organization in 2007.
SAAS is responsible for accrediting and monitoring third-party organizations such as social accountability certification bodies and providing SA8000 training.
SAI develops and publishes SA8000 but does not directly conduct assessment and certification activities. These services are independently carried out by certification bodies. SAI has cooperated with SAAS to develop system requirements encouraging the global adoption of SA8000.
Businesses applying SA 8000 must satisfy the requirements and implement them seriously. Achieving these requirements requires a strict implementation process. Similar to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, the Social Accountability Management System based on SA 8000 is also implemented according to the PDCA cycle (Plan – Do – Check – Act).
First of all, enterprises must establish a social policy that meets employees’ working conditions and the requirements and regulations of SA 8000; comply with regulations, laws, recommendations, and international agreements; the social policy must be documented for implementation and communicated internally, externally, or to the community whenever possible; and demonstrate commitment to continual improvement.
Management representatives must be capable of ensuring compliance with the requirements of the SA 8000 Standard. The SA 8000 representative should not be a manager but rather a person responsible for communication and acting as a bridge between leadership and employees throughout the enterprise.
The enterprise must develop a specific plan to ensure full understanding of the requirements of the SA 8000 Standard.
To implement the plan, enterprises must ensure:
The implementation of the Social Accountability Management System requires regular and continuous monitoring to ensure the system always complies with SA 8000 requirements. Therefore, enterprises must establish and maintain procedures according to standard requirements such as recording suppliers’ commitments regarding social accountability; commitments to participate in monitoring activities when required; identifying nonconformities; and notifying suppliers and subcontractors of relevant changes.
When the requirements of the standard are not met, enterprises must immediately take corrective actions, quickly identify causes, and allocate resources for implementation. Enterprises must investigate all internal and external causes related to nonconformities. Any action suppressing workers who report nonconformities is strictly prohibited.
Management review must be conducted systematically and periodically based on review results and internal audits to ensure the SMS system is maintained and operates effectively.
Enterprises must establish communication procedures with third parties regarding review results, inspections, and monitoring data related to standard implementation. Depending on the nature and scale of the enterprise, this information may also be communicated to members within the organization.
Records related to the implementation of the standard must be maintained to facilitate demonstrating compliance results and serve as a basis for third-party certification.
The above information covers the conditions for applying SA 8000 Certification – Social Accountability Management System.
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Published Date: 19/01/2024
