SA 8000:2008
The SA8000 workplace standard is the central document of SAI. This standard is the benchmark against
which companies and factories measure their performance. Those seeking to comply with SA8000 have
adopted policies and procedures that protect the basic human rights of workers. Key elements foe SA 8000 are
1. 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
2. Forced Labor: No forced labor, including prison or debt bondage labor; no lodging of deposits
or identity papers by employers or outside recruiters
3. 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
4. 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
5. Discrimination: No discrimination based on race, caste, origin, religion, disability, gender,
sexual orientation, union or political affiliation, or age; no sexual harassment
6. Discipline: No corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse
7. 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
8. 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
9. Management Systems: Facilities seeking to gain and maintain certification must go beyond simple
compliance to integrate the standard into their management systems and practices.
Conquest provides
• Training on the requirements of the standards to the team in the organisation.
• Consultancy support in evolving the Policy, Objectives for the organisation and the systems
for achieving them.
• Implementation support in Implementing, Internal auditing and identifying key areas for improvement.
• Facilitation support for Management reviews and certification process.
