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SA 8000
Caring for people: Social responsibility
In the past years, there has been an increase of awareness of social aspects of manufacturing around the world.
Triggered by news headlines on terrible accidents and inhuman business practices, consumers now focus not just on the product itself anymore but also on the way the products are made. Environmental pollution, dangerous working conditions and child labor are now important topics to be addressed by manufacturers.
People at the center of our attention.
It has been the mission of TÜV Rheinland for more than 130 years to protect people and environment from possible negative effects of industrial development. So it fits our very nature to be active in the field of social compliance auditing.
Competent and independent auditing
TÜV Rheinland as an independent service provider is performing tens of thousands of audits every year all over the world. To proof our competence in social auditing, we have gained an accreditation by Social Accountability International (SAI), the organization that developed SA 8000 as the first global standard for social management systems.
In addition, TÜV Rheinland is cooperating with various organizations in the manufacturing, retail and investment business and is offering audits based on sector schemes or according to customer specifications. Our audits provide a neutral and objective assessment of the working conditions onsite. This assessment can serve to build confidence with retailers, investors and the public about the factory's social compliance, or provide the basis for continuous improvement.
Elements of social audits
Standards for social compliance usually cover a variety of areas. Here some examples:
- Working hours: compliance with local laws, voluntary overtime, adequate rest time
- Child labor: no worker under the age of 14
- Forced labor: workers can leave premises after working hours, no withholding of ID cards or deposits, no prison labor
- Wages: payment of legal minimum, timely payment, reasonable charges for food or housing, no disciplinary deductions
- Health and safety: safe machinery, protective clothing, adequate ventilation, handling of dangerous substances, accessible fire exits, first aid, sanitary toilets, potable drinking water
- Discrimination: no discrimination based on gender, race, age, union membership; no sexual harassment
- Disciplinary practices: no physical and psychological violence
- Freedom of association: workers can exercise their legal rights to form unions and bargain collectively
- Management systems: definition and regular review of management policy, appointment of management and workers representatives, control of suppliers and sub-contractors
During the onsite visit, our auditors will verify compliance with these requirements by checking records, interviewing staff and observing operations and facilities. Depending on the standard, a pre-audit or a document review might be necessary before the final audit.
Benefits of social compliance
Research and anecdotal evidence shows that there are significant business benefits to socially responsible companies. Among these benefits are:
- Development of new markets and new customers (e.g. USA, Western Europe)
- Fulfillment of sourcing and investment requirements
- Greater employee retention and enhanced performance
- Better product quality and productivity
- Improvement and protection of reputation
