Module_2 SA 8000

MODULE 2

HEALTH AND SAFETY

COVERAGE

SA 8000 Requirements Definitions & Interpretation Intent of SA 8000 Typical hazards & risks in

Manufacturing Hierarchy of risk minimization Key issues to review Evidence of compliance Background information

SA8000 RequirementsThe Organisation shall Provide a safe and healthy working

environment Take adequate steps to prevent

accidents and injury to healtharising out of, associated with oroccurring in the course of work

Minimizing the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment.

SA8000 3.1

SA8000 RequirementsThe Organisation shall Assess all the workplace risks to

new, expectant and nursing mothersincluding those arising out of theirwork activity,

Ensure that all reasonable steps aretaken to remove or reduce any risksto their health and safety.

SA8000 3.2

SA8000 Requirements

The Organisation shall Provide personnel with appropriate

personal protective equipment asneeded at its own cost

Provide first aid and assist theworker in obtaining follow-upmedical treatment.

SA8000 3.3

SA8000 Requirements Organisation shall appoint a

senior management representativeresponsible for the health and safetyof all personnel

Accountable for the implementationof the health and safety elements ofthis standard.

SA8000 3.4

SA 8000 Requirements Establish and maintain a Health and

Safety Committee, comprised of a well-balanced group of managementrepresentatives and workers

It shall Effectively communicate itsdecisions to all personnel. TheCommittee shall be trained andretrained periodically to continuallyimproving the health and safetyconditions in the workplace.

SA8000 3.5

SA 8000 Requirements It shall conduct formal, periodic

occupational health and safetyrisk assessments to identify andthen address current and potentialhealth and safety hazards.

Records of these assessments andcorrective and preventive actionstaken shall be kept

SA8000 3.5

SA 8000 Requirements

The organisation shall provide topersonnel, on a regular basis,effective health and safety trainingincluding on-site training and, whereneeded, job-specific training.

SA8000 3.6

SA 8000 Requirements The organisation shall establish

documented procedures to detect,prevent, minimize, eliminate or otherwiserespond to potential risks to the health andsafety of personnel.

The organisation shall maintain writtenrecords of all health and safety incidentsthat occur in the workplace and in allresidences and property provided by theorganisation, whether it owns, leases orcontracts the residences or property from aservice provider.

SA8000 3.7

SA 8000 Requirements The organisation shall provide, for

use by all personnel, free access to: ◦ clean toilet facilities, ◦ potable water, ◦ suitable spaces for meal breaks, and,◦ where applicable, sanitary facilities for

food storage.

SA8000 3.8

SA 8000 Requirements The organisation shall ensure that

any dormitory facilities provided forpersonnel are clean, safe and meettheir basic needs, whether it owns,leases or contracts the dormitoriesfrom a service provider.

All personnel shall have the right toremove themselves from imminentserious danger without seekingpermission from the organisation.

SA8000 3.9 & 3.10

Definition & Interpretation Safe and healthy working environment as

defined by national laws and/or industrialstandards.

Hazard is defined by the ILO as a situationthat has inherent potential to cause injuryor damage to peoples health for instance,specific hazards associated with the use ofchemicals or machinery.

The health and safety managementrepresentative should have authority andadequate resources to implement companypolicies and corrective action plans ifneeded.

Definition & Interpretation In addition to management representative,

accountability for the health and safety ofemployees resides with all levels ofmanagement, from direct supervisors to seniormanagement.

The term regular is defined as at least once peryear.

The term systems refers to the generalManagement Systems, which are addressed in thechapter on Management Systems.

Intent of SA8000 The health and safety of all employees is the

responsibility of the employer. SA 8000 seeks to ensure that workers have a

safe and healthy workplace, Where adequatepreventive measures are taken to minimize, andwhere possible eliminate health and safety risks bothin the short and long term.

Management is responsible for workplaceconditions, and therefore for ensuring thatworkers are able to perform their functionsthroughout their adult lifetime without actual orlatent health damage.

Typical Hazards and Risks Latent Health Hazards Exposure to Chemicals Exposure to Asbestos and Dust Handling of Electricity Safety of Machines Safety of Steam Boilers Fire Safety and Emergency Cases Workplace Hygiene and Sanitation Exposure to Heat and Cold Noise

Hierarchy of Risk Minimization1. Replace products with less toxic

alternatives2. Use safe-working practices in storage,

handling, with minimized skin exposureand appropriate ventilation

3. Use of personal protective Equipment toprotect skin, eyes and respiratory tracts.

4. Prepare spill control, first aid andemergency procedures and

5. Be available at short notice in case ofaccidents and incidents involvinghazardous substances.

Key Issues to ReviewOccupational Safety and Health

Management SystemEmployee Participation and

Management CommitmentTrainingAccident Prevention and Risk ControlRehabilitation and CompensationDocumentation

Evidence of Compliance

Overall Occupational Safety & Health Management

Workers Awareness and Involvement

Specific Risks, Hazards and Precautions

Background Information International Norms and National Legislation,

provincial and municipal rules and legislation International Standards such as ILO

conventions, ILO codes of practice, manuals and guides such

as the ILO Encyclopedia on Health and Safety asrelevant to the site.◦ The Occupational Safety and Health Convention 155

(1981)◦ The Occupational Health Services Convention 161

(1985)◦ The Convention concerning Safety in the Use of

Chemicals at Work 170 (1990)◦ The Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents

Convention 174 (1993)

Background InformationILO standards deal with specific toxins and agents, such as

the◦ Asbestos Convention 162 (1986) and its accompanying

Recommendation 172;◦ White Lead (Painting) Convention 13 (1921); ◦ Radiation Protection Convention 115 (1960) and

Recommendation 114; and ◦ Benzene Convention 136 (1971) and Recommendation

144 (1971).ILO standards deal with specific risks or groups of people

such as◦ Occupational Cancer Convention 139 (1974) and

Recommendation 147; ◦ Guarding of Machinery Convention 119 (1963)◦ Maternity Protection Convention (Revised) 183 (2000)

and Recommendation 191; ◦ Medical Examination of Young Persons (Industry)

Convention 77 (1946)

END OF

MODULE 2