SA8000:2014
Corporate Social Responsibility
SA8000 (SA=Social Accountability) identifies an international standard aimed at certifying certain aspects of corporate management related to corporate social responsibility, which, by its nature, involves the entire company with a profound impact. It requires the participation of management, employees, and suppliers.
It is the first international standard that aims to improve working conditions globally and establishes principles regarding specific issues:
- Child and underage labor
- Forced labor
- Discrimination
- Health and safety
- Freedom of association
- Salary and working hours
- Disciplinary procedures
The international standard aims to improve working conditions globally and, above all, allows for the definition of a verifiable standard by certification bodies. It means ensuring respect for human rights and the rights of workers in terms of protection against child exploitation, guarantees of safety and health in the workplace, salaries and working hours appropriate to the tasks performed, combating discrimination, and proportionate disciplinary procedures.
The standard was created as an aggregation of principles established by other international documents, such as:
- ILO Conventions (International Labour Organization)
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- International Convention on the Rights of the Child
- United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
Compared to typical ISO standards with which it shares the formal structure, the SA8000 standard is a reference that, by its nature, involves the entire company. Its impact and depth, compared to other “formal” standards, require attention and participation from management, top management, employees, suppliers, sub-suppliers, and customers.
What is the purpose of SA8000?
The purpose is to provide a voluntary and verifiable standard to enhance and protect all personnel falling within the control and influence of an organization that produces products or services, including:
- Personnel employed by the organization itself and its suppliers
- Subcontractors
- Sub-suppliers
- Home-based workers
Principles:
- Continuous improvement
- Participation and involvement of personnel
Objectives:
- Reduce risks
- Create better working conditions and a safer work environment
- Promote the importance of social responsibility
- Improve relationships with suppliers
- Verify the adherence of suppliers to SA8000 principles
Bericah S.p.A. has been involved at every level.
Suppliers have been subject to scrutiny regarding the mentioned issues.
Internally, two additional bodies have been established within the company’s organization:
- Social Performing Team: A team composed of representatives from management and workers, committed to collecting reports and/or complaints that can also be submitted anonymously.
- Health and Safety Committee: Composed of a Health and Safety Coordinator, occupational physician, and worker representative for safety, committed to conducting periodic evaluations.
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