What is SA8000?
The SA8000 Standard is one of the world's leading social certification programs. It was implemented by SAI in 1997 as the first reliable social certification. Certain boundaries have been created so that organizations of all types, from all industries and all countries, do business with fairness and dignity for their employees and demonstrate their commitment to the highest social standards.
The SA8000 Standard is based on internationally recognized business standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ILO conventions, and states' laws.
What are the Criteria for Obtaining the SA8000 Certification?
There are 8 performance criteria determined by SAI. With the expected performance criteria being met, the image of the companies will be preserved and even appreciated. Companies wishing to obtain SA8000 certification are expected to comply with these criteria.
The criteria are:
1. It is expected that child labor will not be used and even the personal development of children will be supported. Adequate financial and other support must be provided so that children can attend school. At the same time, the employment of young workers should be ensured by the legislation.
2. Forced or compulsory labor must be prevented within the scope of the institution. It should not be working with institutions with difficult or compulsory employees. Employees must not be deducted from their salary, benefits, property, or documents to force them to continue working. Personnel has the right to leave the facilities after completing their hours on a working day. Finally, he is free to terminate his employment.
3. A safe and healthy work environment should be established. The highest level of measures should be taken for occupational health and safety. Efforts should be made to prevent possible work accidents. OSH criteria (Occupational Safety and Health) must be met and an appropriate managerial staff must be appointed. Especially for pregnant mothers, the risks should be eliminated. The right to maternity should be protected and a suitable environment should be provided. A hygienic environment should be created. Employees should also have the right to distance themselves from imminent danger.
4. The right of workers to form, join and bargain collectively should be respected. The right of the company to form unions and bargain collectively must be respected. There should be no interference with workers' organizations or collective bargaining. Inform personnel of these rights and that there will be no retaliation.
5. There should be no discrimination based on race, national or social origin, caste, birth, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political opinion, and age. There should be no discrimination in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, dismissal, and retirement.
6. Staff should be treated with respect. There should be zero tolerance for corporal punishment and mental or physical abuse of personnel. At the same time, these institutions should not be working with them.
7. Working hours must comply with laws and industry standards.
8. The right of personnel to a living wage should be respected. All workers must be paid at least the legal minimum wage. Wages must be sufficient to meet basic needs.
What is the Importance of Obtaining the SA8000 Certificate?
The productivity and morale of the employees increase and their loyalty to the company increases. Spontaneous checks should be made every six months. Thus, hazard and risk determinations will be improved. To control the increasing supply chain, the national and international reputation of the companies should increase. By increasing the attractiveness of the brand in the eyes of the consumer and the state, safer business partnerships will be achieved.
How is the SA8000 Certification Process Progressing?
The process varies according to the structure and size of the company. As a result of a two-stage audit, the identity and compliance of the company are investigated. As a result of corrections and feedback from the company, the process can take from months to years. With the quality management created as a result of the certificate, the company has SA8000. SA8000 certificate is a certificate issued for 3 years.
As a result, it is an important document for companies to make infrastructure corrections and improvements. As a result of the certification, the company will be in continuous improvement and transformation. With the program, employees will also be included in the system and their corporate identities will be reinforced. Standards such as SA 8000 improve the corporate culture and make it sustainable.
Author:
Çağın Ergün
Source:
https://yysdanismanlik.com/hizmetlerimiz/belgelendirme/sa-8000-sosyal-sorumluluk-kalite-belgesi.html
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