The SA8000 system is modeled on the one used by companies to ensure quality control: ISO 9000. Over 300,000 production sites around the world use certification of conformance to the International Organization for Standardizations (ISO) to demonstrate to customers that their production system ensures quality. SA8000 builds on the proven merits of ISO auditing techniques: specifying corrective and preventive actions; encouraging continuous improvement; and focusing on management systems and documentation proving these systems’ effectiveness. In addition, the SA8000 system includes three elements essential for social auditing:

• Specific performance standards set with minimum requirements;
• Auditors are required to consult with and learn from interested parties, such as NGOs, trade unions and, of course, workers; and
• A complaints and appeals mechanism allows individual workers, organizations, and other interested parties to bring forward issues of noncompliance at certified facilities.

SA8000 also has a section on management systems, which requires policies and procedures and documentation systems that demonstrate ongoing compliance with the standard. A United Nations (UNIDO) study comparing SA8000 and ILO Conventions to an ideal norm for workplace conditions concluded that one of the key contributions SA8000 makes toward the fulfillment of these norms is its requirement of management systems that ensure their implementation.

SA8000’s acceptance is growing because companies recognize the benefits of this system, both to workers and to management. A growing number of companies are currently assessing their suppliers’ compliance with SA8000 and others are listing it as an alternative to the company code of conduct.

International trade unions, consumer campaigns, and labor activists consistently recognize SA8000 as a strong and comprehensive standard for dealing with workplace conditions. In addition to the SAI Board Members, a broad range of NGOs and trade unions have given valuable comments to greatly improve the effectiveness of the SA8000 system.

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