SA-8000
is standard for social accountability in the workplace.
In essence, social accountability means managing
business activities in a manner that respects
and promotes the basic human rights of all workers.
Social
accountability expectations can vary from one
company to another. Fair compensation, reasonable
working hours, a safe and healthy environment
and prohibition of child labour and forced labour
are common to all codes. Some codes add requirements
for non-discrimination, freedom of association,
disciplinary practices, or management system controls.
Depending on their relevant needs many companies
choose to define their own values through a "Code
of Conduct for suppliers" or similar document.
Other companies, in order to ensure that common
values are adequately addressed, prefer to adopt
a standard or common code and an associated, credible
monitoring program.SA-8000 is one such
standard of codes.
Benefits of SA 8000
Some of the benefits of SA8000 certification
to organizations are as follows:
