Overview of SA8000

In 1997, Social Accountability International (SAI) was established and convened an expert, international, multi-stakeholder, Advisory Board to partner in developing standards and systems to address workers’ rights. Representatives of trade unions, human rights organizations, academia, retailers, manufacturers, contractors, as well as consulting, accounting, and certification firms, by consensus, cooperated to develop the Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000) Standard. Published in late 1997 and revised in 2001, the SA8000 Standard and verification system is a credible, comprehensive and efficient tool for assuring humane workplaces. The SA8000 system includes:
• Factory-level management system requirements for ongoing compliance and continual improvement.
• Independent, expert verification of compliance by certification bodies accredited by Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS).
• Involvement by stakeholders including participation by all key sectors in the SA8000 system: workers, trade unions, companies, socially responsible investors, nongovernmental organizations and government.
• Public reporting on SA8000 certified facilities and Corporate Involvement Program (CIP) annual progress reports through postings on the SAAS and SAI websites.
• Harnessing consumer and investor concern through the SA8000 Certification and Corporate Involvement Program by helping to identify and support companies that are committed to assuring human rights in the workplace.
• Training partnerships for workers, managers, auditors and other interested parties in effective use of SA8000.
• Research and publication of Guidance in the effective use of SA8000.
• Complaints, appeals and surveillance processes to support the system’s quality.
Source: www.sa-intl.org.