Auditough - Standard of SA8000

Social Accountability

General of SA 8000

Child Labor

No workers under the age of 15; minimum lowered to 14 for countries operating under the ILO Convention 138 developing-country exception; remediation of any child found to be working.

Forced Labor

No forced labor, including prison or debt bondage labor; no lodging of deposits or identity papers by employers or outside recruiters.

Health and Safety

Provide a safe and healthy work environment; take steps to prevent injuries; regular health and safety worker training; system to detect threats to health and safety; access to bathrooms and potable water.

Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining

Respect the right to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively; where law prohibits these freedoms, facilitate parallel means of association and bargaining.

Discrimination

No discrimination based on race, caste, origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union or political affiliation, or age; no sexual harassment.

Discipline

No corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse.

Working Hours

Comply with the applicable law but, in any event, no more than 48 hours per week with at least one day off for every seven day period; voluntary overtime paid at a premium rate and not to exceed 12 hours per week on a regular basis; overtime may be mandatory if part of a collective bargaining agreement.

Compensation

Wages paid for a standard work week must meet the legal and industry standards and be sufficient to meet the basic need of workers and their families; no disciplinary deductions.

Management Systems

Facilities seeking to gain and maintain certification must go beyond simple compliance to integrate the standard into their management systems and practices.