s a 8000 health and safety

7/28/2019 s a 8000 Health and Safety

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SA8000®ConsolidatedGuidance HealthandSafety

NoteonStructure:

TheconsolidatedguidancewillbeuploadedtotheSAIwebsiteasawebpage< http://www.sa-intl.org/SA8000>that

willincludethetextofthesection“AbouttheStandard”,onlyalistofthetitlesofStandard’smainsectionsI,II,III

&IV.1-IV.9,andhyperlinksto“SA8000®Certification”,SA8000Accreditation(ApplicationPackage),“SA8000for

Download”,“SA8000Translations”and“SA8000ComplaintsProcess”.Eachsectiontitle( e.g.III.Definitionsand

VI.3.HealthandSafety)willbeahyperlinktoasub-pageoftheSA8000mainpage.

Each“elementpage”(e.g.SA8000:3.HealthandSafety)willlistitsownsectionsandsubsections,thetitlesof

whichwillbehyperlinkstoitsownpage,toavoidoverlylongpagesandtoprovidetheoptionofprintingthe

separatesections.Ontheside-bar,anoutlineofthe SA8000“section”ofthewebsitewillenabletheuserto

navigatewithouthavingtoclick“back”onthebrowser.InthisdraftoftheelementpageforHealthandSafety,the

mainsectionsI,IIandIIIareseparatedbypage-breaks.

SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

I.SA8000Standard:3.HealthandSafety

I.A.SA8000:3.HealthandSafetyRequirements

I.B.Definitions,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

I.C.Intent,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety I.D.InterpretationsandImplementation,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

II.AuditingConsiderations,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

II.A.EvidenceofCompliance,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

II.B.WorkerInterviewStrategy,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

III.BackgroundInformation,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

III.A.Internationalnorms

III.B.Typicalhazardsandrisksinmanufacturing

IV.Appendix,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

IV.A.FireSafetyRiskAssessment

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I.SA8000Standard:3.HealthandSafety

I.A.SA8000:3.HealthandSafetyRequirements

3.1Thecompanyshallprovideasafeandhealthyworkplaceenvironmentandshalltakeeffectivestepstoprevent

potentialaccidentsandinjurytoworkers’healtharisingoutof,associatedwith,oroccurringinthecourseofwork,by

minimizing,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thecausesofhazardsinherentintheworkplaceenvironment,and

bearinginmindtheprevailingknowledgeoftheindustryandofanyspecifichazards.

3.2Thecompanyshallappointaseniormanagementrepresentativetoberesponsibleforensuringasafeandhealthy

workplaceenvironmentforallpersonnel,andforimplementingtheHealthandSafetyelementsofthisstandard.

3.3Thecompanyshallprovidetopersonnelonaregularbasiseffectivehealthandsafetyinstructions,includingon-

siteinstructionand,whereneeded,job-specificinstructions.Suchinstructionsshallberepeatedfornewand

reassignedpersonnelandincaseswhereaccidentshaveoccurred.

3.4Thecompanyshallestablishsystemstodetect,avoid,orrespondtopotentialthreatstothehealthandsafetyof

personnel.Thecompanyshallmaintainwrittenrecordsofallaccidentsthatoccurintheworkplaceandincompany-

controlledresidencesandproperty.

3.5Thecompanyshallprovideatitsexpenseappropriatepersonalprotectiveequipmenttopersonnel.Intheeventof

aworkrelatedinjurythecompanyshallprovidefirstaidandassisttheworkerinobtainingfollow-upmedical

treatment.

3.6Thecompanyshallundertaketoassessalltheriskstonewandexpectantmothersarisingoutoftheirworkactivity

andtoensurethatallreasonablestepsaretakentoremoveorreduceanyriskstotheirhealthandsafety.

3.7Thecompanyshallprovide,forusebyallpersonnel,accesstocleantoiletfacilities,accesstopotablewater,and,

whereapplicable,sanitaryfacilitiesforfoodstorage.

3.8Thecompanyshallensurethatanydormitoryfacilitiesprovidedforpersonnelareclean,safe,andmeetthebasic

needsofthepersonnel.

3.9Allpersonnelshallhavetherighttoremovethemselvesfromimminentseriousdangerwithoutseekingpermission

fromthecompany.




I.B.Definitions,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

1.Safeandhealthyworkingenvironment:asdefinedbynationallawsand/orindustrialstandards.

2.Hazard:definedbytheILOas“theinherentpotentialtocauseinjuryordamagetopeoples’health”-forinstance,

specifichazardsassociatedwiththeuseofchemicalsormachinery.Employersmustprepareandperiodicallyreview

andupdateawrittenhazardanalysis.

3.Healthandsafetymanagementrepresentative:thepersonwithassignedresponsibility,authorityandadequate

resourcestoimplementcompanypoliciesandcorrectiveactionplansasneeded.Inadditiontothemanagement

representative,alllevelsofmanagement,fromdirectsupervisorstoseniormanagementareresponsibleand

accountableforthehealthandsafetyofemployees.Managersmustbeawareoftheseresponsibilities.

4.Instruction:healthandsafetyinstructionisbroadtoincludebothongoingtrainingandonthejobinstruction.The

conceptisinlinewiththeintentofthestandardonhealthandsafety:itismanagement’sresponsibilitytoensure

precautionarymeasuresareeffectiveatalltimes.Inmanycases,regularlyscheduledtrainingmaynotbesufficient

duetoaccidents,newtechnology,newpersonnelandelevatedrisk.

5.Regular:periodic,includedinthehealthandsafetyrequirementstoemphasizethatthecompanywillperiodically

instructandtrainworkers,temporaryworkers,providingadditionaloralinstructionandatalltimeswhennewjobskillsorhighpersonnelturnoverisinvolvedorafteraccidentshaveoccurred.

Withoutanychangeinworkplaceorworkerconditions,neworrepeatedtraining,instructingandtransmissionof

informationshalloccurperiodicallytoreinforcepreviouseffortsandtoensurethatthepriortrainingandthelikewere

effective.Ageneralguidelineforfrequencyisatleastonceayearforpermanentworkers,andmorethanonceayear

forseasonalortemporaryworkers.However,SA8000emphasizesthathealthandsafetyonthejobinstructionmustbe

consideredbeyondsetminimumsandrequiremanagementtodisseminateinstructionsmorefrequentlyasneeded.

Thosewhomaybeatmoreriskduetotheirage[youngpeopleundertheageof18]willrequiremorefocused

assistanceindevelopingtheirknowledgeandskillsforonthejobhealthandsafety.Thefocusonprevention

articulatesmanagement’sresponsibilitytocreateacultureofhealthandsafety.

6.Systems:referstotheManagementSystems,asstatedinElement9.Addedmanagementtoolsareinthisrequirement,suchasthenamingofahealthandsafetymanagementrepresentativeandtheidentificationofthe

processesand/oreventsthattriggertheneedforworkersinstructionandinformation.

7.“Accident”and“incident”:thesetermsareexactlythesameandareusedinterchangeably.

8.Follow-upmedicaltreatment:Intheeventofanaccidentorworkrelatedinjurysufferedbyaworker(s),acompany

mustprovidefirstaidassistanceandassisttheworkeringettingfollow-upmedicaltreatment.Thismeansthatthe

companymustprovideappropriateassistancetoinjuredworkersfortheirfollow-upmedicaltreatmentaseachcase’s

factsshallindicate.

9.NewMother:awomanwhohasgivenbirthtooradoptedachildwithinthepastsixmonths.Anexpectantmother

isawomanwhoispregnant.




I.C.Intent,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

1.Theintentofalloftheelementsofthisrequirementistwofold.First,itistoclarifyandamplifytheroleofthe

employerastheresponsiblepartyinmanagingworkers’healthandsafety.Thisincludesprotectingworkers’health

andsafetybypro-activemeasures,suchas,engineeringcontrols,guarding,regulartraining,onthejobinstructionand

communicationofinformation.Second,itaddssomenewmanagementresponsibilitiestomoreeffectivelyprovide

theseprotections.

2.Thisrequirementalsoprovidessomespecificelementsofthehealthandsafetymanagementsystem,e.g.naminga

healthandsafetymanagementrepresentative,thatenablemanagementtoestablish,maintainanddemonstrateits

compliancewiththerequirement.Meetingthesegoalsactivelyandproactivelyinvolvestheworkers,whomust

receiveupdatedinformation,trainingandinstructioninresponsetochangesintheworkplace,accidentsortheirjobs.

Thisfunctionistoberegularlyaddressed,whichrequiresregularplanninganddocumentation,througheffective

policy,organizing,planning,measuring,auditingandreviewingperformanceasdetailedbelow.

Policy

Effectivehealthandsafetypoliciessetacleardirectionfortheorganizationtofollow.Theycontributetoallaspectsof

businessperformanceaspartofademonstrablecommitmenttocontinuousimprovement.Responsibilitiestopeople

andtheenvironmentaremetinwayswhichfulfilthespiritandletterofthelaw.Stakeholders’expectationsinthe

activity(whethertheyareshareholders,employees,ortheirrepresentatives,customersorsocietyatlarge)are

satisfied.Therearecost-effectiveapproachestopreservinganddevelopingphysicalandhumanresources,which

reducefinanciallossesandliabilities.

Organizing

Effectivemanagementstructureandarrangementsareinplacefordeliveringthepolicy.Allstaffismotivatedand

empoweredtoworksafelyandtoprotecttheirlong-termhealth,notsimplytoavoidaccidents.Thearrangements

are:

a) underpinnedbyeffectivestaffinvolvementandparticipation;and

b) sustainedbyeffectivecommunicationandthepromotionofcompetencethatallowsallemployeesandtheir

representativestomakearesponsibleandinformedcontributiontothehealthandsafetyeffort.

Thereisasharedcommonunderstandingoftheorganization’svision,valuesandbeliefs.Apositivehealthandsafety

cultureisfosteredbythevisibleandactiveleadershipofseniormanagers.

Planning

Thereisaplannedandsystematicapproachtoimplementingthehealthandsafetypolicythroughaneffectivehealth

andsafetymanagementsystem.Theaimistominimizerisks.Riskassessmentmethodsareusedtodecideon

prioritiesandtosetobjectivesforeliminatinghazardsandreducingrisks.

Whereverpossible,risksareeliminatedthroughselectionanddesignoffacilities,equipmentandprocesses.Ifrisks

cannotbeeliminated,theyareminimizedbytheuseofphysicalcontrolsor,asalastresort,throughsystemsofwork

andpersonalprotectiveequipment.Performancestandardsareestablishedandusedformeasuringachievement.

Specificactionstopromoteapositivehealthandsafetycultureareidentified.

Measuringperformance

Performanceismeasuredagainstagreeduponstandardsinordertorevealwhenandwhereimprovementisneeded.

Activeself-monitoringrevealshoweffectivelythehealthandsafetymanagementsystemisfunctioning.Thislooksat

bothhardware(premises,plantandsubstances)andsoftware(people,proceduresandsystems)includingindividual




behaviourandperformance.Ifcontrolsfail,reactivemonitoringdiscoverswhybyinvestigatingaccidents,illhealthor

incidentswhichcouldcauseharmorloss.Theobjectivesofbothactiveandreactivemonitoringare:

a) todeterminetheimmediatecausesofsub-standardperformance;and

b) toidentifytherootcausesandtheimplicationsforthedesignandoperationofthehealthandsafety

managementsystem.

Longer-termobjectivesmustalsobemonitored.

Auditingandreviewingperformance

Theorganizationlearnsfromallrelevantexperienceandappliesthelessons.Thereisasystematicreviewof

performancebasedondatafrommonitoringandfromindependentauditsofthewholehealthandsafety

managementsystem.Theseformthebasisofself-regulationandofcomplyingwithHealthandSafetyRegulationsand

otherrelevantstatutoryprovisions.Thereisastrongcommitmenttocontinuousimprovementinvolvingtheconstant

developmentofpolicies,systemsandtechniquesofriskcontrol.Performanceisassessedby:

a)

internalreferencetokeyperformanceindicators;and

b) externalcomparisonwiththeperformanceofbusinesscompetitorsandbestpractice,irrespectiveof

employmentsector.

Performanceisalsooftenrecordedinannualreports.




I.D.InterpretationsandImplementation,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

1.TheHealthandSafetymanagementsystem,aswiththeoverallSA8000managementsystems,mustcontainthe

primaryelementsofpolicy,planningandimplementation,performancereviewandevaluation,correctiveaction,

trainingandcommunication.(See Element9:ManagementSystems)

2.SA8000requirestheestablishmentofpolicies,procedures,organization,planning,measuring,auditingand

reviewinghealthandsafetyperformance,topreventworkplacehazardsandrisksattheirsourceandtoseekcontinual

improvement.AkeyelementofSA8000managementisthedevelopment,implementationandmaintenanceofa

writtenhealthandsafetymanagementsystemas describedonpage4.Suchhealthandsafetysystemsconstitutean

indispensablecomponentoftheoverallSA8000managementsystem.

3.Theultimateresponsibilityforasafeandhealthyworkplaceresideswiththeemployer.Accidents,illhealthand

incidentsareseldomrandomevents.Theygenerallyarisefromfailuresofcontrolandinvolvemultiplecontributory

elements.Theimmediatecausemaybeahumanortechnicalfailure,buttheyusuallyarisefromorganisational

failingswhichistheresponsibilityoftheemployer’smanagement.

Thepracticalimplicationsofhealthandsafetypoliciesarethoughtthroughtoavoidconflictbetweenthe

demandsofpolicyandotheroperationalrequirements,Inthesecases,managementdecisionsleadto:

• unrealistictimescalesforimplementingplans,whichputpressureonpeopletocutcornersandreduce

supervision;

• workschedulingandrosterswhichfailtotakeaccountoftheproblemsoffatigue;

• inadequateresourcesallocatedtotraining;

• organisationalrestructuringwhichplacespeopleinpositionsforwhichtheyhaveinsufficientexperience;

• jobsandcontrolsystemswhichfail torecogniseorallowforthefactthatpeoplewouldbelikelytomake

mistakesandmighthavedifficultiescommunicatingwitheachother.

Thesystematicapproachalsoemphasisesacommitmenttocontinuousimprovement.Learningfromexperienceis

essential.Inmanyseriousaccidents,previousincidentsforeshadowthepotentialforseriousinjury.

Healthandsafetyisamanagementresponsibilityofequalimportancetoproductionandquality

4.Theemployer’scommitmentandleadershipareessentialtotheestablishmentandimplementationofhealthand

safetymanagementsystems.Thereforewerecommendthatauditorscheckemployercommitmentfirstwhen

reviewingthereadinessofahealthandsafetymanagementsystem.Thismustbeakeyfocusduringmanagement

interviewsandoneandoneinterviewsarerecommendedtodeterminethelevelofknowledgeandtechnical

understandingpossessedbykeystaffandleadership(seepage4regardingorganizationandElement9formoreabout

managerinterviews).

5.Alsoatthecoreofasuccessfulhealthandsafetymanagementsystemareclearlydelegatedanddefinedlinesof

dutyandresponsibilitythroughoutalllevelsoftheorganizationalstructure,fromshop-floorworkerstotop

management.SA8000Clause3.2requiresthatthecompanyappointaSeniorManagementRepresentativewhois

responsibleandaccountablefortheimplementationofthehealthandsafetymanagementsystemthroughoutthe

companyorsite.Itisimportanttoensurethatsuchapersonisgivenappropriateauthority,supportandresourcesto

adequatelyaddresshealthandsafetyissuesatalllevels.Theroleofthehealthandsafetyrepresentativemustbe

augmentedandsupportedbyotherpersonnel,particularlyshop-floorworkers,whoseroleistoadvise,reviewand

implementhealthandsafetymatters.Note:Writtenresponsibilitiesmustbeinplaceforallemployeesatalllevels.

6.Employeeandtradeunionorworkersorganizationparticipationatalllevelsisacrucialelementincreatingasafe

andhealthyworkenvironment,andisseenbytheILOasa“fundamentalworkers’right”aswellasaduty.Infacilities

withoutatradeunion,workerparticipationinhealthandsafetyisnonethelessimportant,andworkersmustbeable

tofreelyandwithoutemployerinterferenceelectrepresentativesfromamongthemselvestofacilitate

communicationwithmanagementaboutthehealthandsafetyprogram.Employeesmustbeinvitedtoparticipatein

healthandsafetyprogramdesign,developmentandreviews.Theymusttakeanactivepartinidentifyingrisksand

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designingsolutions,creatingacultureofownershipandresponsibility.Employeeparticipationisespeciallyimportant

whenamajordevelopmentisproposedthatislikelytohavehealthandsafetyimplications,andwhennewhealthand

safetymeasuresareproposed.Itisimportantforemployeestobeinvolvedinincidentreporting,accident

investigations,healthandsafetyinspections,designandimplementationofcorrectiveactions,andgeneraldecision-

makingconcerninghealthandsafetyissues.

7.Institutionalizedemployeeparticipation,throughmechanismssuchasworkerhealthandsafetycommittees,

ongoingmanagement-tradeuniondialogue,suggestionboxes,andcomplaintprocedurescanbegoodindicationof

managementcommitment.Workersmustfreelyelecttheirrepresentativestohealthandsafetycommittees.Auditors

canlookforevidenceofparticipationincommittees(suchaspostedmeetingminutes),openconsultationswith

employees,workerdelegatesandhealthandsafetyofficers,aswellasphysicalimplementationofcorrectiveactions

proposedbycommittees.Workerinterviewscanprovidevaluableinformationaboutemployeeawarenessandthe

levelandeffectivenessofparticipation

8.Trainingisavitalpartofanyhealthandsafetyprogram.

a)Auditorsmustlooktoverifythatemployersconductregularandeffectivetrainingprogramsandthatworkersare

trainedonhowtoperformtheirtaskssafelyandwithminimumrisktohealth.Employersmustprovidetrainingabout

thepotentialhazardsoftheworkplace.Suchtrainingmustincludeinformationaboutthenatureandrisksofactivities

andworkequipment,chemicals,accidentandillnessincidentinvestigation,informationaboutriskpreventionand

control,andinparticular,emergencydrills.

b)Auditorsmustchecktoseethatfiredrillsarerepeatedfrequentlyenoughtomatchthelevelofstaffturnoverand

that awalk-through of the facility to review health and safety hazards and preventive procedures is part of the

orientationforallnewworkers.Atbestafireriskassessmentshouldhavebeenconductedandperiodicallyreviewed.

c)Theuseof“instruction(s)”,whichincludestraining,emphasizestheneedforbothformalworkers’instructionor

trainingandthelessformal,ongoing,job-specificinstructionsthatoccurwithinmostworkplaces.Invirtuallyallcases

training-typeinstructionsmustbeinwritingorotherformofrecording(e.g.whereilliteracyratesarehigh),suchas

videoorDVDformat,andalwaysinthelanguageoftheworkers.On-siteinstructionmustbedeliveredinaformalcommunicationprocess,allowingforrepetitionandquestions,forexample,sothatworkersfullyunderstandeffective

healthandsafetyprocedures.Sometimesdrillsareindicatedtoreinforceworkers’learningandprovidefortheir

practicalapplication.Workersmustbeabletoexplaintoauditorswhattheinstructionsaretellingthemtodoand

howtodoit.

d)Reinstructionisrequiredperiodicallyandmustalwaysbeconductedfollowingtheoccurrenceofaworkplace

accident(s).Thiscircumstanceemphasizesthecontinuingresponsibilityofemployerstoidentify,analyseandcorrect

accidentsites,inthiscasethroughrepeatedinstruction.Thisrequiresthatallworkersbereinstructed,notmerely

thoseinvolvedintheaccident.

e)Relevanttrainingmustbeextendedfreeofchargetoallemployeesintheirnativelanguage.Alltrainingshouldoccurduringworkhours,notasanaddedtask,andifitoccursduringweekends,workersshouldbecompensatedwith

overtimepremiumratesofpay,orwithrestdaystooffsettimespentintraining.Trainingandinstructionmustalsobe

offeredtocontractorsand/ortemporaryworkersworkingonsite.Ifappropriate,theemployershouldinviteexternal

healthandsafetyexpertstodeliverthetraining.

9.Employersmustprepareandperiodicallyreviewandupdateawrittenjobhazardanalysisandriskassessment,to

beabletosetobjectivesandpriorities.Thesecanbeusedasthebasisformeasuringtheeffectivenessoftraining.This

willenabletheemployertodevisetrainingmethodstosuittheobjectives.Sometrainingneedsmayhavetobemet

throughcloselysupervisedon-the-jobexperience.Forsomehigh-riskjobsandtasksthetrainingmayinclude

simulationexercises.Theuseriskassessmentwillhelpthemmakedecisionsaboutimprovingworkplaceprecautions.

a)Inadditiontoageneralhealthandsafetyhazardanalysis,thecompanyneedstocompleteanongoingrisk

assessmentfornewandexpectantmothersandtominimizerisksparticulartothem.Therequirementisintendedto




providenewandexpectantmothersadequatehealthandsafetyprotections,recognizingthatcertaintasksmaybe

particularlyhazardoustotheirhealthandsafety.Forexample,expectantmothersmaybelessabletodoheavylifting

orremainstandingforlongperiodsoftime,andexposuretocertainchemicalsmaybemoredangerousforthe

developmentofthefoetusthanforadultworkers.Theassessmentalsohelpsdemonstratethatanemployeris

supportiveofkeepingthesewomenemployedwiththecompany.Thecompanyisrequiredtocommunicate

effectivelytheresultsofthisassessmenttoitsworkers.Theemphasishereisonthecompany’sresponsibilityto

assessandthenreasonablyremoveandreduceworkplaceandjobriskstothesewomen.`

b)Thisrequirementdoesnotpermitanydiscriminationagainstnewandexpectantmothers,whichincludes

prohibitingdiscriminatorypregnancytesting,firing,demotionorthelike.Thecompanyshallcomplywithallnational

maternitylawswhenassessingallemploymentandworkplaceriskstonewandexpectantmothers.

10.Healthandsafetyriskpreventionandcontrolmeasuresmustbeappliedthroughoutthefacility.

a)Employersmustdeviseworkplaceprecautionsthateliminateorreducetherisk[s]aslowasreasonablypracticable

Forexample,theuseofalternative,lessvolatileorflammablesubstancesandlesstoxicchemicalsandproducts,inthe

caseofglues,paintsandsolvents,canmakeaworkplacesignificantlysafer.Similarly,well-maintainedmachineryand

equipmentusedinconjunctionwithappropriatesafetyriskcontrolscanpreventunnecessaryaccidentsandinjuries.

b)Wherealternativesarenotavailable,engineeringsolutionsandworkpracticescansignificantlyreduceexposureto

hazardoussubstancesanddangerousactivities.Significantriskstoworkerscanbeeliminatedbymechanizingactivities

suchasdippingcomponentsintoxicsolventsorcuttingmaterialwithsharppowertools.

c)Wherehumanexposurecannotbeeliminated,maximumprotectionmustbeprovidedtoavoidinjury.Noworker

mustberequiredtoperformahazardoustaskwithoutthefreeprovisionofadequateprotectiveequipmentandgear.

ManagementmustensurethatPersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)isadequate,feasibleforworkerstowearand

thatworkersproperlyusethePPE.Ifreplacementequipmentisneeded,workersmustnotbeintimidatedtoaskfora

replacementandmustnotbeaskedtopayforreplacement.IfthePPEisprovidedbyacontractor,thecompanyisstill

heldresponsibleforit,bothfordirectandcontractemployees.

d)Emergencyresponseproceduressuchasevacuationandfirstaidmustexist,andallworkersmustbeawareofthe

appropriateactionincaseofanaccident.Healthandsafetyrepresentativesandon-sitefirstaidmedicalstaffmust

haveclearknowledgeofwheretoseekexternalmedicalaidinemergency.Therootcause,impactandresponseto

accidentsmustbeinvestigated,recordedinwritingandcommunicatedtoallemployees.

11.Employersmustkeepinmindthataccidentsaremorelikelytohappenwhenworkersworklonghoursand

overtime,andorwhenwrittenororalcommunication,instructions,training,protectionandmonitoringare

insufficient.Accidentsandinjuriesfrequentlyoccurduringpeakseasons,whenovertimeiscommon.Exhaustionand

lackofconcentrationaresignificantcontributingfactorstoaccidents.Longhoursleadingtoexhaustionalsoreduce

workers’resistanceandabilitytocopewithexternalstress,increasingtheirsusceptibilitytoillnessandreducingtheir

abilitytorecoverfromphysicalaccidentsorexposuretochemicalsubstances.Healthandsafetycultureisputatrisk

whenproductiondemandsleadtoafastpaceandhealthandsafetypoliciesareneglectedandunenforced.

12.Rehabilitationandcompensation:Workersinjuredinworkplaceaccidentsorsufferingfromworkrelateddiseases

oftenlosetheirjobsandtheworkingcapacitytoseekanotherjob.Insuchcases,companiesmustensurethatthe

affectedworkersareprovidedwithadequaterehabilitationand/orcompensation.Firstaidassistanceandfollow-up

medicaltreatmentmustbeprovided.Long-termmedicaltreatmentmightbenecessaryifaseriousinjuryoccursatthe

workplace.Toverifythis,auditorscanstudynationallawsandhealthandsafetyregulations,lookfortheexistenceof

policies,aswellasrecordsofpastincidents.Workerinterviewscanilluminateandexposepastpractices.Auditorsmay

gainrelevantinformationaboutsuchsituationsbyconsultinglocaltradeunions,labourNGOs,andex-workers.

13.Dormitoryfacilitiesandhousing-whetherownedbythecompany,leasedorcontractedfromaserviceprovider-shallmeetthebasicneedsofpersonnelandrequirementsofSA8000.Auditorsmustinspectsuchdormitoriesor

residences.Writtenrecordsofaccidentsthatoccurindormitoryfacilitiesorresidencesarerequired.




14.Thestandardmakesitclearthatattimesofimminentseriousdangerallpersonnel–includingallworkers,

managersandsubcontractedpersonsonthepremises-havetherighttoremovethemselvesfromthedangerwithout

thepriorpermissionoftheiremployers.Itismeanttoeliminatepasthorrendousemergencyworkplacefatalities

causedbythelackofemployers’permission(orblockedexits)foremployeestoleaveuponthefirstsignsofa

growing,seriousdanger,suchasfire.

15.Documentation:Theremustbewrittenrecordsofallaccidentsintheworkplaceandincompany-controlled

residencesandproperty.Theymust,ataminimum,includethereason,rootcause,time,andnameofperson(s)

involvedintheaccident.Furtheradditionstotheaccidentrecordsshouldbeincludedonacase-by-casebasis(e.g.

daysofworklostandcompensationpaid).Allthesewrittenrecordsmustbemaintainedandreviewedtoreducethe

accidentrateandimproveauditability.Thecompanyshouldconductananalysisofallhealthandsafetyrisks,noting

whichrisksrequirespecialinstructionsandwhoisresponsibleforensuringthosearefollowed.

Thefollowingisalistofthetypesofissuesthataregenerallyrecordedanddocumentedbyauditedcompanies.The

listisbynomeansexhaustive.Itismeanttoprovideexamplesofthedocumentationthatshouldbekeptbythe

companyandmadeavailabletoauditors.

a)Company-wide,broadhealthandsafetypolicy;

b)Healthandsafetystructure,linesandareasofresponsibility;

c)Hazardanalysisandassessmentofhealthandsafetyrisks;

d)Policiesandproceduresagainsttheidentifiedhazardssuchasmachinerysafeguarding,training,accidentrecording

andinvestigation,expectantmothers,chemicalsafety,ventilation,firesafety,employeeparticipation,disciplinary

practiceetc.;

e)Shortandlongtermobjectivesforimprovinghealthandsafetyandloweringaccidentrates;

f)Monthly,quarterlyorannualreviewsofsafetyperformanceagainstgoalsandobjectives;

g)Correctiveandpreventiveactionstakentoimproveperformance;

h)Recordsofdecision-makingandcommunication(e.g.minutesofmeetings,memossenttostafformanagement,

postersusedtocommunicateandinform);

i)Informationsheetsonspecifichazardsemployeesmayencounter;

j)Regularreviewsofpreparednessandpreventativeactionsuchasmachinerymaintenanceandemergencydrills;

k)Accidentandinvestigationreportsforallaccidents,includingcause,natureoftheincident,impact,namesand

numberofpeopleinvolved,remedialactiontaken,andrehabilitation/compensationprovidedtovictimsortheir

families;

l)Trainingandonthejobinstructionalmaterialprovidedtoemployeesandrecordsoftrainingprovidedtoemployees.

16.IndicatorsforanEffectiveRiskAssessmentandMitigationPlanforHealthandSafetyinSA8000

Thefollowingisguidanceonhowtoeffectivelyassessriskandcomposeamitigationplantoprotecttheworkplace

frombasichealthandsafetyrisksandgeographicrisksandthreats:

a)AllSA8000-certifiedcompaniesaretohaveundertakenadocumented,hazardidentification,emergency

preparednessandresponse,healthandsafetyriskassessmentwithperiodicongoingandupdatedriskassessments.

Inadditiontothebasichealthandsafetyriskassessmentforthecertifiedsite,theprocessshallalsoincludethegeographicrisksandthreats,includingseismicactivities,flood,landslideandsabotage.Mitigationmeasuresaretobe

baseduponthelikelihoodofthreatandactionsshallbeappropriatelytaken.




b)Ongoingandupdatedhazardidentificationandriskassessmentsaretobecarriedoutbyateamwiththenecessary

competency,skillsandknowledge.Thisprocessshouldalsoincludeworkersrepresentatives.

c)Evidenceofdesignatedcompetentindividualstoassureemergencypreparednessandresponsearetobe

maintained.Theiractionsshouldensure:

i.Emergencyexitsandescaperoutesarecompletelyunobstructed.

ii.Firefightingequipmentisclearlymarked,unobstructedandinserviceablecondition.Thisequipmentshallbeclearly

markedandhaveinstructionsforuseinthelanguage[s]oftheworkforcepastedadjacenttoit.iii.Potentialsourcesofheatandfuelarecontrolled.

iv.Automaticfiredetection,alarms,andsystemsareoperational.

d)Thehazardanalysisandriskassessmentprocessaretoincludedevelopmentofanemergencypreparednessand

responseplantotakeintoaccountactionsbyallpersonnelrelatedtofireand/orotheremergencies(manmade

and/ornaturaldisasters)withacleardefinitionofresponsiblepersonstoprevent,reduceandaddressanysuch

emergencyevent.

e)AllSA8000-certifiedcompaniesaretoproduceamitigationplanthatdeterminestheoperationsandactivities

associatedwiththeidentifiedoccupationalhealthandsafetyandindustrialhazardsandistodescribethecontrols

necessarytomanagetheserisks.Theidentificationprocessistoincludeexistingcontrolmeasuresandtheir

adequacy.

f)Theplanistoincludeatimeframeforimplementationwithmetricstoshowprogress.Immediatedangersaretobe

addressedwithinashorttimeframe.

g)Ongoinghazardidentification,riskassessment,mitigationplanandcorrectiveactionsaretobereviewedatthe

company’sdocumentedregularinternalauditandmanagementreview.

h)Indicators/evidenceofimplementationofaneffectiveriskassessmentandmitigationplanforemergencyaction,

firesafetyandevacuationinclude:

i.Emergencyevacuationroutesthatare:clearlymarked,continuouslyunobstructed,welllitwithemergencylighting

withbackuppower.

ii.Exteriordoorsanddoorstoexithallwaysandstaircasesopeninthedirectionoftravelandcanbereadilyopened

fromtheinsidebyanyworkerwithouttheuseofkeysortools.

iii.Oneormoredesignatedandmarkedexternalassemblypointsinanareasafelyawayfromwherefireoperations

mightoccur.

a.Emergencyexitleadingtoopenareasandpathways.

b.Clearindications/signsforevacuationtoemergencyassemblyarea.

c.Anemergencyassemblyareaofsufficientsizetoaccommodatethefullnumberofemployeesandotherpersonnel

whomayreasonablybeonsite.

d.Asufficientnumberofemergencyexitsforthebuildingstructureandnumberofemployeesandotherpersonnel

whomayreasonablybeonsite.

iv.Afullyoperationalearlywarningandevacuationalarmthatcanbeheardand/orseenthroughouttheworkplace,

thatisregularlytestedandmaintainedwithabackuppowersystem.

a.Audibleandoperationalfirealarms.

b.Audible,visibleandoperablesmokealarms.

c.Thenumberofalarms,atminimum,meetslegalrequirements.

v.Fullyoperationalfirefightingequipmentinplace,maintainedandunobstructed,whichmeetstherequirementsof

fireriskandfireclass,isclearlymarked,accessibleandeasytouse.Personnelaretrainedonthebasicuseoffire

extinguisherswithadvancedtrainingtoemergencyrespondersonallofthefireequipment.

a.Adequateconnectedandpressurizedwatersupplyforfirehydrantsystemandanysprinklersystemonthe

premises.

b.Properaccessforfiredepartmentvehicles.

c.Adequatenumberandtypeoffirefightingequipmentandportablefireextinguishersinplace,maintainedand

unobstructed,clearlymarked,accessibleandeasytouseoneveryfloor.




d.Fireextinguisherstomeettheclassoffireandignitionsourceatitsrespectivelocation.

e.Thenumberandtypeoffirefightingequipment,atminimum,meetslegalrequirements.

vi.Asystemtoregularlyinspect,testandmaintainanoperationalautomaticearlywarningfireandsmokedetection

alarmwithbackuppower.

a.Emergencylights.

b.Portablefireextinguishersandfirefightingequipmentwithpressurizedwatersystem.

c.Unlockedfirehosecabinets.d.Sufficientandaccessiblefireextinguishersforbuildingstructureandtypeofworkdoneonpremises.

vii.Asystemofprecautionstopreventignitionoffiresfromsourcesofheat,openflames,electricalsparking,hot

surfaces,welding,smoking,heatorsparks.Uncontrolledcombustiblematerialremovedbyadequatehousekeeping

anddecontaminationmeasures.Hazardousmaterialstoredandhandledinasafeway.

a.Cleanworkplaces,freefromdirt,dustandcigarettes.

b.Flammableandhazardousmaterialsproperlystockedandkeptawayfromignitionsources.

c.Safeelectricalwiring.

d.Gassensorsaroundgas-usingandprocessingequipment.

viii.Asystemtotrainallemployeesinemergencyevacuation,firepreventionanduseoffirefightingequipment.

Certifiedcompaniesshallemployasystemwherebyallpersonnelaretrainedinriskfactorswithinoraroundthefacilityuponinductionwithrefreshertrainingevery6monthsthereafter.

a.Emergencyevacuationtrainingshallincludefullevacuationdrillswhereallpersonnelareevacuatedandaccounted

forattheexternalassemblypoint.

b.Trainingshallincludedesignationofagroupoftrainedpersonnel(firewardens)whointervene,whensafetodoso,

tosupporttheevacuationofco-workersandtakefirepreventionandfightingaction,asappropriate.

1)Thistrainingshallincludeemphasisontheeliminationofsourcesofignitionandheat.

2)Itshallalsoincludetrainingontheselectionanduseoffireextinguisherswithanemphasisonwhentousean

extinguisher(basedonthehazardsintherespectiveworkareas)andwhentoevacuate.

c.Adequatecontinuoustrainingforallpersonnelshallincludeevacuationandtheuseofpersonalprotective

equipment.Adequatecontinuoustrainingforfirewardensshallalsoincludefirefightingtechniques,specialhazards,

andleadershiptraining.

d.Evacuationandfiredrillsshouldbeoverseenbyanexternalparty,suchasthefireauthority,fortimelyandeffectivepersonnelevacuation.

e.Documentedevidenceofthetrainingandevacuationdrillsshallbemaintained,withevacuationtimesrecorded.




II.AuditingConsiderations,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

ForacompanytobeSA8000certified,theauditorneedstoverifythatthecompanymeetsallSA8000requirements.If

theinspectedcompanyisOHSAS18001certified,itmighttakeanauditorlesstimetoauditthecompanyagainstthe

healthandsafetyrequirementsofSA8000,providedtheauditorhasaccesstoallrelevantOSHASdocumentation.

II.A.EvidenceofCompliance,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

Thefollowingareexamplesofsomeissuesthatauditorsshouldreview.Thislistisnotexhaustive.Auditorsshould

adaptand/orexpandthelistandcreateaspecificauditingstrategydependingontheproductionfacilityandother

localconditions(e.g.historyand/orpervasivenessofhealthandsafetyconcernsintheworkplaceorcommunity).

Auditorsmuststudyallrelevantnationallawsandlocalregulationsregardinghealthandsafety.Auditorsshouldkeep

inmindthatevenwhenlegislationdoesnotaddresstheseissues,anycompanyapplyingtobecertifiedunder

SA8000isobligatedtodevelopandimplementacomprehensivehealthandsafetymanagementsystemthatfully

reflectsthehazardsandrisksoftheworkplace.

1.OverallHealthandSafetyManagement:

a)Acomprehensivehealthandsafetymanagementsystemexistsandiseffectivelyimplemented,documentedand

communicated.

b)ManagementatalllevelscanexplaintheirresponsibilitieswithregardtoSA8000,thecompany’shealthandsafety

programandlocalgovernmentregulations.

c)Ahealthandsafetyofficerorequivalentisappointedtoensurecompliancewithnationalandmunicipalhealthand

safetyregulationsandindustrycodesofconduct.Thisofficerhastheauthorityandresourcestocarryouthis/her

compliancedutiesandinthecaseofnon-compliancemaycarryoutdisciplinarymeasures.

d)Emergencyproceduresexist,includingrecordsofregularemergencydrills.

e)Documentationandrecordsarecomplete.

2.WorkersAwarenessandInvolvement

a)Workersandtheirrepresentativesareabletoconfirmandexplainthefunctionalityandeffectivenessofthehealth

andsafetyprogram.

b)Workersareinformedeffectivelyofhealthandsafetyrisks,suchasexposuretohazardouschemicals,machinery,

etc.andtheycanexplainhowthoserisksarecontrolledandminimized.

c)Workersknowwhattodoincaseofanemergencyandthecorrectpersontotalktoiftheyhaveahealthorsafety

concern.

d)Trainingrecordsindicateappropriatecontentandextentoftraining.

e)Amechanismexiststoencourageinputfromworkersonhealthandsafetyissues.

f)Takenoteofworkerappearance:doworkershaveinjuries,rashes,orothersignsofexposuretoharmfulsubstances

orinappropriateuseofmachinery,lackofprotectiveclothing?

g)Takenoteofworkerattitude:doworkersfeelcomfortabletalkingabouthealthandsafetyissues?Isthereaculture

ofopennessoristhereasenseofsecrecyandlackoftrust?

3.SpecificRisks,Hazards,andPrecautions

a)Regularpreventivemaintenance,thatis,systematicinspection,detection,andcorrectionofincipientfailureseither

beforetheyoccurorbeforetheydevelopintomajordefects,iscarriedoutonthecontrolmeasurestoreduceharmto




healthandsafetytoensurethattheyremaineffective,suchasexhaustventilation,guarding,interlocks,assembly

linesetc.

b)Healthhazardsfromchemicalsandsubstancesareconspicuouslyidentified,alongwith information,instructionand

trainingforemployeesandothers.

c)Monitoringofexposurelimitsofchemicalsandsubstancesiscarriedout.

d)Healthsurveillanceisconductedonemployeeswhoareexposedtotoxicsubstances.

e)Adequateandsuitablepersonalprotectiveequipmentisfreelyavailabletoworkers,andemployeesaretrainedin

itscorrectuse

f)Riskassessmentsandadequateriskcontrolsareinplaceforchemicalsandsubstances,asbestosanddust,

electricity,machineryandsteamboilersatthefacility.

g)Firstaidsuppliesandthenumberoftrainedpersonnelareadequateforthesizeofthefacilityandtheindustry,and

theyareaccessibletoallworkers.

h)Qualificationsoffirstaidpersonnelareadequatefortheneedsofthefacility.

I)Fireriskassessmentsareinplacethatcover;firesafetymanagement,prevention,detectionandalarms,firefighting

equipmentandfacilities,fireescaperoutes,emergencylighting,firesignsandlighting,testingandmaintenanceand

firesafetytraining.[SeeAppendix]

j)Writtenemergencyplansareinplaceandfiresafetyco-coordinatorandfirewardenshavebeenappointedand

adequatelytrained.

k)Asufficientnumberofsuitablefireextinguishersareprovidedcharged,visibleandaccessibletoallworkers.Fire

extinguishersareservicedonanannualbasisandaresubstitutedwithfunctionalextinguisherswhentheyareremovedforservice.Fireexitsareadequateforthenumberofemployees,wellsignedandclearofobstacles.

l)Thereareasufficientnumberoffireescaperoutestoenableallpersonstoevacuatesafely.

m)Emergencyexitsareaccessibleandcannotbelocked,blockedorsecuredinamannerthatpreventsegress.

n)Reportsareavailableofallemergencydrillsconductedforevacuatingthebuilding[s]toaplaceofsafety

o)Testsareregularlyperformedtoensurewaterispotableandresultsaredocumented.

p)Thetemperatureandairqualityinthefactoryisperiodicallyverifiedbyareputable,independentsource,records

areuptodate,andemployeereportsofillnessdonotcontradicttheserecords.

q)Inspectionsofthetransportsystemforworkerstoorwithintheproductionsiteareregularlyperformedand

documented.

r)Thecompanymaintainsaccidentreports,andtheSA8000workerrepresentative,theworkers’tradeunion(for

unionizedfacilities),andthehealthandsafetycommitteehaveaccesstothem.

s)Acertificateattestingtotheimplementationofhealthandsafetymeasuresfromaqualifiedcompetenthealthand

safetyagency,ifavailable,shouldbeconsidered,butshouldnotformthesolebasisforcompliancewiththisportion

ofSA8000.

II.B.WorkerInterviewStrategy,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety




Thefollowingisarecommendedgeneralstrategyforconductinginterviewswithworkers.Auditorsshouldrefertoit

anddevelopastrategythatisadaptedtosuitspecificlocalconditionsandculturalsettings.

Interviewingworkersiscriticalforanevaluationofhealthandsafetyconditions.Workerscanconfirmorcontradict

inspectionfindingsandmanagementclaims,andhighlightissuesthatescapetheauditor’sattention.More

importantly,workerinterviewsofferthebestopportunitytomeasureworkers’awarenessofworkplacehazardsand

knowledgeofpreventiveriskmeasures,withoutwhichnohealthandsafetyprogramcanbeeffectivelyimplemented.

Auditorsshouldreviewthehealthandsafetyhistoryofthesite,andmakespecificattemptstointerviewworkerswho

wereinvolvedinaccidents,fellill,orareworkinginrolesinwhichillnessoraccidentsoccurredinthepast.

Itisgenerallyrecommendedthatauditorsgiveworkersachancetosaywhattheythinkabouthealthandsafety

conditions.General,open-endedquestionsareagoodwaytoensurethattheconversationisnotconfinedtothe

auditor’spre-designedquestionnaireandsuchissuessuchaslevelsoflight,odourandnoisearenotexcludedas

‘unimportant’ortrivial.

Auditorsshouldexpectthatworkers’levelofknowledgeonhealthandsafetyissuesmayvary.Ageneral

recommendationistoavoidtheuseoftechnicaljargon.Forinstance,insteadofasking“Doyouhaveaccessto

MaterialSafetyDataSheets(MSDSs)?”considerasking“Arethese[chemicals/paints/solventsmentionedbytheworker]dangerous?”“Doyouknowwhichonescanbetoxic?”etc.Itshouldbeevidentfromtheconversationwhat

mechanismsareinplaceandhoweffectivetheyare.

Anauditorcandesignquestionsinawaythatwouldnotmakeworkers’responsessoundaccusatorytothefactory

management.Forinstance,insteadofasking“Doyoufeelthatyourhealthisatriskworkinghere?”considerasking

“Aretheretimeswhenyoufeellesssafethanothers?”Insteadofasking“Doyouthinkanythingneedstobe

changed?”considerasking“Whatwouldyousuggestifthemanageraskedforyouropiniononmakingimprovements

inthefactory?”

Samplequestions:

1.Doyougenerallyfeelsafeatwork?

2.Aretheretimesthatyoufeellesssafethanothers?Canyoutellmemoreaboutthosetimes?

3.Arethereanywaystomaketheworkplacesaferforyouorforotherworkers?Whatwouldyousuggestifthe

manageraskedforyouropiniononmakingimprovementsinthefactory?

4.Ifyousawsomethingthatwasofconcern,forexample[X,YorZproblem],whatdoyouthinkwouldbethebest

thingtodo?Whowouldyoutalktoabouttheissue?Hasthateverhappenedinthepast?

5.Whatdoyouknowaboutthechemicalsyouareworkingwith?(promptforthefollowingifnotmentioned:names,

healthissues,safetyissues,handlingprocedures,appropriateandsafeuse,safetyprecautions,emergencyresponse,

andtreatmentforoverexposure)Howistheinformationpresented?(lookfortraining,noticesinnativelanguage,

signs,usagerecords)

6.Ifanewworkerstartsworkingonadangerousmachine[specifythemachine/sinquestion],howdoesshe/heknow

howtoworksafely?Lookforamoredetailedresponsethan“themanagershowsher.”

7.Doyouknowtheevacuationroute?Pleaseexplaintheevacuationproceduretome.




III.BackgroundInformation,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

Overrecentdecades,thelevelandsophisticationoftheattentiongiventohealthandsafetyissueshasincreased

significantly.Improvedscienceandtechnologyallowaccurateanalysisandmonitoringofhealthandsafetyissues,and

betterunderstandingofcauseandeffect–andthereforepreventionandtreatment.Attheinternationalandnational

levels,enhancedadministrativeandlegislativeframeworkslayouttheroles,responsibilitiesandrightsofauthorities,

employersandworkers.Attheenterpriselevel,especiallyinthedevelopedworld,thereisincreasingrecognitionof

theneedtoprovideasafeandhealthyworkenvironment.Suchrecognitionisdrivenbytougherpenaltiesandhigher

costsofnon-compliance,aswellascostsavings,efficiencyandemployeeretentiongains.

III.A.Internationalnorms

Achievingasafeandhealthyworkenvironmentistheresponsibilityofsocietyasawhole,andwillonlybeachieved

throughcooperationbetweenactorsattheinternational,national,andlocallevel.Whenauditingforhealthand

safetyissues,theteamshouldthereforebearinmindalltherelevantstakeholders,legislation,standardsandcodesof

conducts.InadditiontointernationalstandardssuchasILOconventions,theauditingteamshouldconsiderthespecificnational,provincialandmunicipalrulesandlegislationthatmightberelevanttothesite.Manycountriesand

manystateshavesubstantialgovernmentdepartmentssetupspecificallytooverseehealthandsafetyissues.Their

standardsandguidelinescanprovidedetailedandvaluableinformation.Industrycodesofconductcanprovidefurther

insightsintothespecifichealthandsafetyissuestheteammayencounterattheinspectionsite.

Approximately70ILOConventionsandRecommendationsaddresssafetyandhealthissues.Furtherguidanceon

specificissuesandindustriesprovidedintheILOcodesofpractice,manualsandprogramssuchastheILOProgramme

onSafetyandHealthatWorkandtheEnvironment(SafeWork): http://www.ilo.org/safework.

ThefollowingaresomeoftheILOstandardsthatarerelevanttoSA8000implementationandauditing.

1.TheOccupationalSafetyandHealthConvention155(1981)anditsaccompanyingRecommendation164outlinethe

requirementsfornationalOSHpoliciesandtheprogressiveapplicationofpreventivemeasures.TheConventionand

Recommendationalsoestablishemployers’responsibilitytoprovideasafeandhealthyworkenvironment.

2.TheOccupationalHealthServicesConvention161(1985)anditsaccompanyingRecommendation171callforthe

establishmentofoccupationalhealthservicesresponsibleforadvisingemployers,workersandtheirrepresentatives

onmaintainingasafeandhealthyworkingenvironmentthroughpreventivemeasures.TheConventionand

Recommendationemphasizetheimportanceofclearresponsibilitieswithinthecompany,bestuseofthecompany’s

resources,andcooperationbetweenemployersandemployees.

3.TheConventionconcerningSafetyintheUseofChemicalsatWork170(1990)anditsaccompanying

Recommendation177aimtoprotectworkersagainstthehealthandsafetyimpactsofchemicaluseintheworkplace.

Thestandardemphasizestherolesandresponsibilitiesofauthorities,suppliersandemployers,aswellastheduties

andrightsofworkersinthesafehandling,storageanduseofchemicals.

4.ThePreventionofMajorIndustrialAccidentsConvention174(1993)anditsaccompanyingRecommendation181

seektoprotectworkers,thepublicandtheenvironmentfrommajorindustrialaccidents.TheConventionand

Recommendationfocusonthepreventionandminimizationofharmcausedbymajoraccidentsinvolvinghazardous

substances.

5.AnumberofILOstandardsdealwithspecifictoxinsandagents,suchastheAsbestosConvention162(1986)andits

accompanyingRecommendation172;WhiteLead(Painting)Convention13(1921);RadiationProtectionConvention

115(1960)andRecommendation114;andBenzeneConvention136(1971)andRecommendation144(1971).




6.OtherILOstandardsdealwithspecificrisksorgroupsofpeoplesuchasOccupationalCancerConvention139(1974)

andRecommendation147;GuardingofMachineryConvention119(1963)andRecommendation118;Maximum

WeightConvention127(1967)andRecommendation128;MaternityProtectionConvention(Revised)183(2000)and

Recommendation191;MedicalExaminationofYoungPersons(Industry)Convention77(1946).

III.B.Typicalhazardsandrisksinmanufacturing

Thefollowingisanoutlineofsomeofthemostcommonhealthandsafetyissuesreportedinfactoriesandsimilar

workenvironments.Someareasdonotapplyinallcircumstances,howevertheauditormustbesatisfiedthatanissue

isNOTofconcernatthesitebeforedroppingitfromtheinspection.Forinstance,althoughexposuretoasbestosmay

notberelevanttothetoymanufacturingprocess,theauditorshouldcheckthatthebuildingitselfdoesnotcontain

crumblingasbestos.Ineverycasenationallegalregulationsonfirstaidmaterial,firstaidfacilitiesandtrained

personnelmustbefollowed.

1.LatentHealthHazards

AccordingtoILOdatapublishedin2011,everyyear2.3millionpeoplediebecauseofoccupationalinjuriesorwork-

relateddiseases,whichequatestoaround6,300deathsperday.1Healthhazardsattheworkplacecanbeobviousat

times,butareoftenmoresubtle,damaginghealththroughlongtermexposuretochemicals,radiation,asbestos,dust

andnoise.AccordingtotheILO,amongallestimatedwork-relatedfatalitiesin2002,onlyabout15%werecausedby

accidentsorworkplaceviolence,while85%werecausedbylessvisiblefactorssuchascommunicablediseases,

malignanttumours,respiratorysystemdiseases,neuropsychiatricillness, etc.Thelatencyofmanyhealtheffects

meansitcanbedifficulttomakethelinkbetweencauseandeffect,toestablishthesourceofexposureandattimes

tofindalltheaffectedpastworkersinordertoensureappropriatemedicaltreatmentandcompensation.Prevention

ofoccupationalhealthhazardsisthereforeofutmostimportanceandauditorsshouldbeawareofthelong-termrisks

inanyindustrytheyaudit.

2.ExposuretoChemicals

Hazardouschemicalsareusedinmanyworkplacesandcancauseawidevarietyofshortandlong-termhealthhazards,frommildirritationtocancer.Theriskofexposuredependsonthedose,concentrationanddurationof

exposure,theexposureroute(inhalation,skincontactoringestion),themixingofthechemicalwithotherhazardous

substances,andtheemployee’spersonalsensitivitytothesubstance.Somecountriessetmaximumexposure

standardsformanyhazardoussubstances.Exposureshouldnotexceedthoselevels,andpreferablybekeptaslowas

practicable,sinceeffectscausedbythemixingofsubstancesandpersonalsensitivitiesarerarelyconsideredinsuch

exposurestandards.

Managementmustidentifyandcollectinformationaboutallhazardouschemicalsandsubstancesusedwithinthe

facility,andmakethatinformationavailabletoworkers.MaterialSafetyDataSheets(MSDS)mustbeavailableand

accessible.Theemployermustensurethatworkersareawareofthenatureandrisksassociatedwiththesubstances

towhichtheyareexposed.Wherehazardouschemicalsorsubstancesareused,employeesmustbetrainedandthe

levelsofhazardouschemicalsorsubstancesintheworkenvironmentmustbemonitoredregularlytoensureexposure

doesnotexceedsafelevels.

Thehierarchyofriskminimizationshouldapplywhendealingwithhazardouschemicals:

a)Eliminatetheneedforthehazardouschemicalorsubstanceby,forexample,redesigningtheprocess.

b)Substitutealesshazardouschemicalorsubstancefortheonecurrentlybeingused.

c)Isolateorenclosetheprocessinwhichthehazardoussubstanceisused.

1 ILO, “World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2011 - Worldwide events to focus on safety and health management

systems for prevention and control of risks at work” available at http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/press-and-

media-centre/news/WCMS_154749/lang--en/index.htm.




d)Uselocalexhaustventilation.

e)Usegeneralordilutionventilation.

f)UsesuitableandadequatePersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE).

g)Reducetheexposuretimeofemployees.

h)Alwaysimplementpersonalhygiene(forexampleabanoneatinganddrinkingincontaminatedareas,providing

washingfacilities,anddisposingofcontaminatedPPE).

i)Finally,spillcontrol,firstaidandemergencyproceduresmustexistandbeavailableatshortnoticeincaseof

accidentsandincidentsinvolvinghazardoussubstances.

Chemicalsarenottheonlyhazardoussubstancesfoundonaworksite.Heavymetalssuchasleadandmercurycan

posesignificanthealthrisks,ascancigarettesmokingintheworkplace.Workersmaynotassociateadversehealth

effectswithexposuretohazardoussubstances.Nauseaanddizzinesscausedbyexposuretochemicalsmaybe

mistakenlyattributedtoheatorfatigue.

3.ExposuretoAsbestosandDust

Theinhalationofdustandasbestosfibresbyworkerscancauseseriousdiseasesofthelungsandotherorgans,and

thehealtheffectsmaynotappearuntilyearsafterexposure.Lungdiseasesaretheleadingcauseofoccupational

healthproblemsincountriessuchasChina,accountingforapproximatelymorethantwo-thirdsofallverified

occupationaldiseases.

Exposuretoasbestoscancauseabuildupofscar-liketissueinthelungsandresultinlossoflungfunctionthatmay

progresstodisabilityanddeath.Asbestosfibresassociatedwiththesehealthrisksaretoosmalltobeseenwiththe

nakedeye.TheU.S.OccupationalSafetyandHealthAuthority(OSHA)setsexposurelimitsforasbestosat0.1fibrespercubiccentimetre(cc)ofairoveran8-hourperiod,andat1.0fibreperccofairoveranygiven30-minuteperiod.

Exposuretocottondustcanleadtoconditionssuchasbyssinosisor“brownlungdisease”andcancer.OSHA

recommendstwice-yearlymeasurementsofcottondustusingaverticalelutriatororequivalentequipment.The

exposurelimitforrespirablecottondustissetbyOSHAbetween200-1000microgramspercubicmeterofair,

measuredoveran8-hourperiod,dependingonthetypeofoperation.

Exposuretowooddustcancauseavarietyofhealthproblems,fromnoseandthroatirritationtoallergicreactionsto

contactdermatitisandcancerssuchassinonasaladenocarcinoma..Additionalhealthproblemscanresultfrom

inhalingfungiandmoldsthatgrowonthewoodandchemicalresiduesfromwoodtreatment,suchasformaldehyde

andcoppernaphthenate.Exposureandconcentrationstandardsforwooddustsvary,dependingonthetypeofwood.Iftheauditteamdeemswooddusttobeasignificantissue,thetypeofwoodshouldbedeterminedandappropriate

standardsandmeasurementtechniquesapplied.

Commonsourcesofexposure:

a)Manufacturing,cuttingorprocessingdust-producingmaterialssuchaswood,cottonandotherfabrics.

b)Manufacturingandprocessingasbestos-containingproductssuchastextiles,buildingmaterialandbrakeandclutch

components.

c)Contactwithdeterioratingasbestos-containingbuildings.

d)Disturbanceofasbestos-containingmaterialsduringtherenovationordemolitionofbuildings.




e)Dustyenvironmentscommoninmines,constructionsites,foodprocessingplants,facilitiesthatgeneratemetallic

dustandagriculture.

Inmostcountriesasbestoshaseitherbeenbannedortherearestrictregulationsinplacethatcontroltheusethrough

licensingorremoval.Buildingswithexistingasbestoscontainingmaterialsthatareingoodconditionandarenotlikely

tobedamagedarerecommendedtobeleftinplaceandtheirconditionmonitoredandmanagedtoensuretheyare

notdisturbed.

Itisbestpracticeforauditorstochecklocal,regionalandcountryregulationsregardingasbestos.Companiesthatare

stillallowedtouseasbestosinthemanufacturingandproductionprocessmusthaveariskassessmentthatclearly

identifiesasbestosriskcontrols.

4.HandlingofElectricity

Theincorrecthandlingofelectricitymaycausedangertothehealthofemployees.Facilitiesmustcomplywith

nationallegalregulationsrelatedtoelectricpower.

Auditorsshouldobservethefollowingitems:

a)Electricalcontactsarenotfreelyaccessibleorbare.

b)Powersockets,switchesetc.mustfunctionproperlyandbeingoodcondition.

c)Electricinstallationsareinstalledinafixedandsecuremanner.

d)Electriccablesarenotimpedingaccesstoworkspacesorrunalongsideopenknives/blades.

e)Electricinstallationsaregroundedtoavoidtheconductionofelectricitythroughmetalcomponentsandmachines.

f)High-voltagewarningsignsaredisplayednexttomainpowerconnectionsormainfuseboxes.

g)Electricaljunctionboxes,electricalcontrolroomsandfuseboxesaresecuredwithalockandmadeofflameproof

material;theyareaccessibleonlytoauthorizedpersonnel.

h)Workonelectricalsystemsmayonlybeconductedbycompetentqualifiedpersonnel.

i)Electricalinstallationsareinspectedforsafetyatregularintervals.

Note:Acommoncauseoffiresisthroughfaultyelectricalequipmentandpowerdistributionsystems.

5.SafetyofMachines

Machinesandcomponentssuchassawblades,bandknives,punchesorpressesarenormallyfittedbytheir

manufacturerswithsafetydevices.Thereisparticulardangerfrommachineswherethenecessarysafetydevicesare

missingordefective.Thereislikewiseanincreasedriskiftheemployeesworkingonthemachineshavenotbeen

properlyinstructedontheuseofthemachines.Facilitiesmustcomplywithnationallegislationformachinesafety.

Thefollowingitemsshouldbeobservedbyauditors:

a)Accesstorotatingoroscillatingmachinepartsandthecorrespondingworkingzoneasafedistancefromother

workersorpassers-by.

b)Protectivedevicesthatguardagainstinjury,includingfingerguards,drivebeltsafetycovers,ventilatorguardsand

othersafetydevices,areproperlyinstalledandfunctioneffectively.

c)Machinesmustinallcasesbefittedwithfullyoperationalemergencycut-offswitches.




d)Warningsignsareprominentlyplacedondangerousmachines.

e)Machineoperatorsaregivenaccidentpreventiontrainingwhentheystartworkatanewworkplace/machine,and

thisisrepeatedatregularintervalsandwhennoncompliancewithpoliciesisfound.

f)Workerscanexplainsafetyprecautionsandemergencyplansrelatedtoallmachines.

6.SafetyofSteamBoilers

Steamboilersareamajorsourceofpotentialdanger,sincethewaterinsideisheatedtoahightemperatureand

subjectedtohighpressure.Iftheboilerisdamaged,theremaybetheriskofanexplosion.Hotsteamescapingthe

boilermayburnorscaldemployees.Thecombustionchamberofasteamboilercreatesafirerisk,asdoesthestorage

offuelssuchasgas,oilorcoal.Facilitiesmustcomplywiththenationallegalregulationsforsteamboilers.The

followingitemsshouldbeobservedbyauditors:

a)Steamboilersoperatedwithgas,oil,coalorothercombustiblematerialsarenotinstalledclosetodormitories,

staircasesorescaperoutes.

b)Stationarysteamboilersareinstalledinseparateroomsorbuildings,whicharesecuredwithalock;onlyauthorized

personshaveaccesstotheserooms.

c)High-pressuresafetyreliefvalvesareinstalledineverysteamboiler.

d)Thesteamboilersystemmustbeingoodconditionandtestedregularly.

e).Whererequiredbylaw,steamboilersmustbeinspectedbytherelevantgovernmentauthorityanddocumentation

forthisinspectionmustbemaintained.

f)Therearesafetyrulesandoperatinginstructionsforthesteamboilersandtheseareavailableonsite.

g)Employeeswhooperatethesteamboilersareappropriatelyqualifiedtodosoandhavecompletedsafetytraining.

7.FireSafetyandEmergencyCases

Fireisasignificantriskinmanysitesandcanresultintheinjuryanddeathofmanyworkers.Firepreventionand

preparednessisthereforeextremelyimportantfortheprotectionofworkers.Theauditteammustnotethegeneral

leveloffireemergencypreparednessonthesite.Thefollowingisapartiallistofhazardsauditorsshouldreview:

a)Flammablevapoursanddustsmustbecontrolledastopreventcontactwithexposedflame,hotsurfacesorsparks

fromweldingorsimilaractivities.

b)Riskyactivitiesinvolvingexposedfire,sparks,hottemperaturesorflammablematerialsmustnottakeplaceinthe

vicinityofflammablebuildingmaterials,floors,wallsandroofs.

c)Flammablesubstancesmustbestoredinsafeareasandpreferablyfireproofcontainers,andworkershandlingthem

mustbeawareoftheircombustiblenatureandappropriatehandlingprocedures.

d)Electricalwiring,circuitsandmachinerymustbewellmaintainedinordertominimizetheriskofanelectricalfire.

e)Thenumberandplacementoffirealarmsandfireextinguishersmustbeadequateforthesizeofthesite,andbe

testedandinspectedregularly.

f)Fireextinguishersmustbeappropriateforthetypeoffirerisks–differentchemicalextinguishersmaybeusedfor

fireinvolvingwood,material,paper,etc.thanforfiresinvolvingflammableliquid,liveelectricalcomponentsandoils.

g)Firewardensmustbepresentoneachsite,preferablyoneachfloor,andmustbetrainedintheuseoffire-

extinguishingequipment.




h)Emergencyevacuationsmustbepracticedregularly.Eachworkermustparticipateinatleastoneevacuationdrill

peryearinordertobefamiliarwithemergencyexitsandprocedures.

i)Theremustalwaysbeanadequatenumberofemergencyexitsbasedonthenumberofoccupants.Theseexitsmust

alwaysbeunobstructed,clearlymarked,welllitandleadtosafeareasoutsideofthebuilding.The“International

CouncilofToyIndustries”(ICTI)requiresaminimumoftwoexitsperfloor,andrecommendsthatnoworkermustbe

fartherthan200feetawayfromthenearestexit.Firedoorsmustbeoperablefromtheinsideatalltimes,constructed

soastonotallowthemtopreventegressatanytime.

Note:Fireriskassessmentsmustbeinplaceasthesewillhelpcoverallsituationsandprovidethesuitablerisk

controlstoeliminateorreducetheriskoffires,

8.WorkplaceHygieneandSanitation

Allworkersmusthaveaccesstosufficientpotablewaterinworking,eatingandsleepingareas.Thewatersourcemust

betestedannuallytoensureitissafetodrink,andtheemployermustbeabletoproducecertificationdocumentsto

verifytestresults.

Adequate,functional,accessibleandcleantoiletandhand-washingfacilitiesmustbeprovidedinbothworkareasanddormitories.

Foodandwatermustbestoredsafelytoavoidcontaminationfromtheairorfromchemicalresidueoncontainers.

Wherefoodispreparedorsoldonsite,managementmustensurethatitissafefromcontamination,andthat

preparation,handlingandstoragecomplywithlocalregulationsandsoundhygienicstandards.Refusemustbe

disposedofsafelyandhygienicallyonaregularbasis,avoidingodoursandpests.

Ifthecompanyprovidesdormitoryfacilities,itisrecommendedthattheauditteamcheckthatthefacilities:

a)Areclean,tidy,andnotovercrowded;

b)Arewell-ventilatedandheated/cooledtoensurecomfortableconditions;

c)Haveadequateandculturallyappropriatetoiletsandwarmshowers;

d)Haveappropriateandculturallyacceptablearrangementsforlaunderingclothing.

e)Arecoveredbythefiresafetyarrangementascoveredin Element7

9.ExposuretoHeatandCold

Beyondmerediscomfort,extremeorprolongedexposuretohotorcoldconditionscancauseseriousdamageto

healthandevendeath.Heatstresscancauseburns,rashes,cramps,exhaustion,heatfatigue,collapse,orstroke.Cold

cancausehypothermia,frostbiteand,incertaincases,suchaswithliquidnitrogen,coldburns.

Heatandcoldinjurycanresultfrom:

a)Prolongedexposuretohighorlowairtemperaturesandhighhumidity;

b)Exposuretoradiantheatsourcessuchasfurnacesordirectphysicalcontactwithveryhotobjectssuchasmolten

plasticsorhotwater;

c)Directcontactwithcoldobjectssuchasrefrigeratedorfrozenfoodandverycoldwater;

d)Strenuousphysicalactivity;

e)Lackofadequateclothingincoldandexposedworkenvironments.




Inmostplaces,theambienttemperaturevariesconsiderablythroughouttheyear.Ifthetimeofinspectionisnotthe

coldest,hottestormosthumidtimeoftheyear,workers,managementandmedicalpersonnelmustbeaskedabout

conditionsduringextremeweatherconditions.Ifair-conditioners,fansorheatersarepresent,workersmustbeasked

ifthoseareusedwheneverneeded.Iftheelectricitysupplyisinadequateorunreliable,ensureaback-upplanexists

sothatanon-air-conditionedornon-heatedsitedoesnotbecometoohotortoocool.

Workershandlingextremelyhotorextremelycolditems,workinginhotorcoldenvironmentsorwithhotorcold

liquidsmustbegivenspecialconsiderations.Ensureprotectiveequipmentexistsandisusedwhereneeded.Ensure

durationofexposureisnotexcessiveandthatrotationisusedinplaceslikecool-roomsandnearfurnacestoavoid

discomfortandover-exposure.Ensureplentyofpotablewaterisreadilyavailable.Ifindoubt,measureair

temperaturesandworkersbodytemperature(usingathermometer).Workers’deepbodytemperaturemustnot

exceed38°C(100.4°F).

10.Noise

Althoughitmaynotseemasimportantasfireriskorexposuretohazardouschemicals,accordingtotheWorldHealth

Organization(WHO)noise-inducedhearingimpairmentisthemostcommonirreversible(andpreventable)

occupationalhazardworldwide.

Exposuretonoisecaninterferewithconcentration,causestressandfatigue,reduceefficiency,lowermoraleand

interferewithsleep.Prolongedorexcessiveexposuretonoisecanreducetheabilityofworkerstounderstandspeech

undernormalconditions,andcanleadtopermanentmedicalconditionssuchashypertensionandheartdisease.

AccordingtotheWHO,exposureformorethaneighthoursadaytosoundinexcessof85dBispotentiallyhazardous.

Theauditteamcanuseexistingrecordsiftheyaredeemedreliable,ormeasurenoiselevelsusingnoisedosimetersor

soundlevelmeters.

TheU.S.DepartmentofLabouroffersthefollowingdistributionofallowableexposure:

TABLEG-16–PERMISSIBLENOISEEXPOSURES(1)2

Durationperday,hours SoundleveldBAslowresponse

8………………………………………………………………………………... 90

6………………………………………………………………………………… 92

4………………………………………………………………………………… 95

3………………………………………………………………………………… 97

2………………………………………………………………………………… 100

1½……………………………………………………………………………. 102

1………………………………………………………………………………… 105

½………………………………………………………………………………. 110

¼orless…………………………………………………………………….. 115

2

OSHA, “Occupational Noise Exposure” available at

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9735




Hearingprotectionmustbeprovidedfreeofchargewherenoiselevelsexceedallowableexposure.Whereworkers

areexposedtohighlevelsofnoise,theemployermustalsoprovideannualaudiometrictestingtomonitorimpacton

workers’hearing.TheWHOstates:“Audiometrictestingmustbemadeavailableatnocosttoallemployeeswhoare

exposedtoanactionlevelof85dBorabove35.”Recordsofaudiometrictestsmustbekeptforthedurationof

employmentforeachaffectedemployee.




IV.Appendix,SA8000:3.HealthandSafety

IV.A.FireSafetyRiskAssessment

SAMPLEFIRESAFETYRISKASSESSMENT

The5stepsofafireriskassessment:

STEP1–IDENTIFYFIREHAZARDS

Identify:

Sourcesofignition

Sourcesoffuel

Sourcesofoxygen

STEP2–IDENTIFYPEOPLEATRISK

Identify:

Peopleinandaroundthepremises

Peopleespeciallyatrisk

STEP3–EVALUATETHERISKS

Identifywhetherexistingfiresafetyprecautionsareadequateormoreneedstobedone:

Firesafetymanagement

Fireprevention

Firedetectionandalarms

Fire-fightingequipmentandfacilities

Fireescaperoutes

Emergencylighting

Firesignsandnotices

Testingandmaintenance

Firesafetytraining

Evaluatetheriskofafireoccurring

STEP4–RECORDANDACT

Recordsignificantfindingsandtheactionrequired:

toremoveorreducefirehazards

toremoveorreducetheriskstopeople

STEP5–REVIEW

Keepassessmentunderreview

(Havetherebeenanysignificantchangesoristhereanyreasontosuspectthattheassessmentisno

longervalid?)




Revisewherenecessary

FIRESAFETYRISKASSESSMENTCHECKLIST

Premiseslocation/address:

Assessorname:

Date: Ref.No:

Part(s)ofpremisesassessed: (e.g.dormitory,kitchen,warehouse,office)

Descriptionofpremises: (Numberoffloors,rooms,workactivitiesetc)

Step1–Firehazards

Tickallthosethatapply

Addcommentswhereappropriate(e.g.location,condition)

1.1Sourcesofignition (nakedflamesorpotentialsources

ofheatthatcouldgethotenoughtoignitematerialinthe

premises).

Yes No Comments

Smokers’materiale.g.cigarettes,matchesandlighters

Nakedflamese.g.candles,nightlights,gasorliquid-

fuelledopen-flameequipment

Electrical,gasoroil-firedheaters(fixedorportable)

Boilers

Hotprocessese.g.welding

Cookingequipmentandactivities

Electricalequipment

Lightingequipment(fixedandmovable)e.g.halogen

lampsortablelamps

Obstructionairconditioning/ventilationequipment

Arson

Other(pleasespecify)

1.2Sourcesoffuel(anythingthatburnseasilyandis

presentinsufficientquantity)Yes No Comments

Furniture

Textilesandsoftfurnishings

Wasteproducts,particularlyfinelydivideditemse.g.

shreddedpaper,woodshavings

Flammableliquid-basedproductse.g.cleaningproducts,

paints,thinners,adhesives,paraffin




Flammablegasese.g.LPGandaerosols

Paperproducts,packagingmaterials,stationery,books

Plasticsandrubbere.g.foam-filledfurniture,polystyrene-

basedmaterials

Wallandceilingliningsandhangingse.g.ceilingtiles

Other(pleasespecify)

1.3Sourcesofoxygen Yes No Comments

Mechanicalairconditioningsystems

Oxygencylinders

Fireworks

Step2–Personsatrisk

Tickallthosethatapply

Estimatethenumberofpersonsatriskineachcategory

Addcommentswhereappropriate

2.1Whoisatrisk? Yes No Howmany? Comments

Employees

Temporary/casualworkers

Visitors

Contractors

Others(pleasespecify)

Total

2.2Whoisespeciallyatrisk? Yes No Howmany? Comments

Peopleasleep

Employeeswhoworkaloneand/orinisolated

arease.g.cleaners,maintenancestaff,security

Peoplecarryingoutspecifictasksthatmayrestrict

accessandmovemente.g.workingatheight

Peoplewhoareunfamiliarwiththepremisese.g.

visitors,customers,newstaff,contractors

Peoplewithdisabilities

Peoplewhosereactionsmaybeimpaireddueto

alcohol,drugsormedication

Otherpeopleintheimmediatevicinityofthe

premises

Step3–Evaluatetherisks

Answereachquestionandplaceatickintherelevantcolumn(‘Yes’,‘No’or‘NotApplicable’)

IftheanswertoanyofthesequestionsisNO,youmustidentifytheaction(s)requiredinthe‘ActionPlan’(step4).

3.1Firesafetymanagement Yes No N/A

Isthereawrittenemergencyplanforthepremises?




Doestheemergencyplancontainenoughdetailtoensurethatpeopleknowwhatto

doifthereisafireandthatthepremisescanbesafelyevacuated?

Isthereafloorplan(s)detailingthegeneralfiresafetyprecautions(locationoffire

extinguishers,firedoors,escaperoutesetc)?

Isthereanamedperson(s)withoverallresponsibilityforfiresafetyatthepremises

(i.e.FireCoordinator)?

Arefirewardensappointedforeachareaofthepremises?

Aretheresufficientnumbersoffirewardenstosafelyevacuatethepremises?

Havearrangementsbeenmadetoaccountforallpersonsonthepremisesafter

evacuation(e.g.rollcalls)?

Areallstaffawareoftheirowndutiesandresponsibilitiesintheeventofafire?

Isthereadesignatedperson(s)tocallthefirebrigade?

Arefireassemblypointsoutsideclearlyidentifiedandsigned?

Areemergencyfiredrillscarriedoutatleastevery6months?

3.2Fireprevention–general Yes No N/A

Areflammablesubstances/materialssafelystoredandused?

Isthepremiseskeptcleanandtidywithwastematerialsplacedindesignatedwaste

bins?

Arewastebinsemptiedregularlyandwastestoredinsecurecontainersoutsidethe

premises?

Arethepremisessecureagainsttheriskofarson?

Arefiredoorskeptclosedatalltimes?

Areallfurnishingsingoodconditionwithnoholesexposingfoam-filledmaterials?

Areallfurnishingsmadeofflame-retardantmaterials(lookforlabelstoconfirm

this)?

Arethereareaswhicharenotnormallyoccupiedandwhereafiremaystart

unnoticed?

Aregascylindersstoredsecurelyoutsidethebuilding?

3.3Fireprevention–electrical Yes No N/A

Areallindividualelectricheatersfixedinplacewithasuitableguard?

Hastheelectricalinstallationbeentestedbyaqualifiedelectrician?

Isthereanyevidenceofoverloadedelectricalsockets(e.g.discolouredorcharredelectricalplugsandsockets)?

Areelectricaltrailing/extensionleadskepttoaminimumlengthandnotplaced

wheredamageislikely?

Iselectricalequipmentkeptwellawayfromcombustiblematerials?

Areallelectricalrepairscarriedoutbyaqualifiedelectrician?

Iselectricalequipmentbroughtinbystaffinspected/testedtoensureitisingood

condition?

3.4Fireprevention–heating,cookingandappliances Yes No N/A

Areallheatingappliancessafe(i.e.securelyfixedinposition,guards/coversinplace,andadequateclearspacefreeofstorageofanykind)?




AreallportableheatersincludingLPGheatersprohibitedfromwithinthepremises?

Areallcookingappliancessafe(i.e.securelyfixedinpositionandproperly

maintained)?

Areextractionfiltersinthekitchenregularlycleanedandmaintained?

Aremainsgasandelectricityswitchesclearlymarkedsothatstaffknowwhereto

turnoffequipmentintheeventofafire?

3.5Fireprevention–smoking Yes No N/A

Issmokingprohibitedexceptindesignatedsmokingareas?

Aredesignatedsmokingareasclearlymarked?

Inareaswheresmokingisallowed,aresufficientashtraysprovidedandarethey

emptiedregularly?

Arethecontentsofashtraysdisposedofseparatelytogeneralwaste?

3.6Fireprevention–buildings Yes No N/A

Isthebuildingdesignedandconstructedtopreventtherapidspreadoffireand

smoke?

Areanyholesorgapsinwalls,ceilingsandfloorsproperlysealed(e.g.whereservices

suchasventilationductsandelectricalcablespassthroughthem)?

3.7Firedetectionandalarmsystems Yes No N/A

Isasuitableautomaticfiredetectionsystemprovided?

Aresmokedetectorsprovidedinallpartsofthepremises(i.e.offices,storerooms)?

Isthefiredetectionsystemingoodworkingorder?

Isasuitablefirealarmsystemprovided?

Canthefirealarmbeclearlyheardbyeveryonethroughoutthewholebuilding?

Isthefirealarmsystemingoodworkingorder?

Ifthefire-detectionandwarningsystemsareelectricallypowered,dotheyhave

back-uppowersupplies?

Haveyoutoldemployeesaboutthefirealarmsystemandwilltheyknowhowto

operateitandrespondtoit?

Doessecuritycarryoutchecksandpatrols,especiallyduringthenightshift?

3.8Firefightingequipmentandfacilities

Identifythenumber,type,locationandconditionofallfireextinguishersYes No N/A

Aretheresufficientfireextinguisherssitedthroughoutthepremises(i.e.onefire

extinguisherpointevery25-30metres)?

Aretherighttypesoffireextinguisherslocatedclosetothefirehazards?

Arethefireextinguishersingoodworkingorderwithoutanydefects(e.g.damaged

hoses?

Arethefireextinguishersclearlyvisiblewithappropriatesigns?

Areallfireextinguishersavailableforimmediateuse(notobstructedorhidden)?

Arefireextinguishershungonwallbracketsoronasuitablebaseplate(notonthe

floor)?

Havethepeoplelikelytousefireextinguishersbeengivenadequateinstructionand

training?




Isthereclearaccessforthefirebrigadeatalltimes?

3.9Fireescaperoutes

Identifyhowmanyescaperoutestherearefromthebuilding.

Estimatehowlongitwouldtakeforeveryonetoescapefromthebuildingoncethe

firealarmhasbeenraised.

Yes No N/A

Arethereasufficientnumberoffireescaperoutestoenableallpersonstoevacuatesafely?

Arethefireescaperoutesofsufficientwidthtoenableallpersonstoevacuate

safely?

Ifthereisafire,couldallavailableexitsbeaffectedorwillatleastonefireescape

routeremainavailable?

Dothefinalexitsleadtoaplaceofsafety?

Arethefireescaperoutesandfinalexitskeptclearatalltimes?

Dothedoorsonfireescaperoutesopeninthedirectionofescape?

Canallfinalexitdoorsbeopenedeasilyandimmediatelyifthereisafire(e.g.push-bars)?

Willeverybodybeabletoescapesafelyfromthebuildinginareasonabletime(i.e.

lessthan2minutes)?

Areallfireescaperoutesclearlyandproperlysigned?

3.10Emergencylighting Yes No N/A

Areallfireescaperoutesprovidedwithadequatelightingatalltimesofthedayand

night?

Isemergencylightingprovidedonfireescaperoutes?

Doestheemergencylightingoperateautomaticallyafterpowerfailure(i.e.back-upbatterysupplies)?

Isemergencylightingprovidedoutsidethebuildingtoilluminateexitroutesfrom

thebuilding?

3.11Firesignsandnotices Yes No N/A

Areappropriatefiresignsprovidedtoidentify:

- Fireescaperoutes?

- Fireexits?

- Firedoors?

- Firefightingequipment?

Are‘FireAction’noticesdisplayedatsuitablelocationsthroughoutthepremises?

Areallfiresignsclear,legibleandeasilyunderstood?

3.12Testingandmaintenance Yes No N/A

Areregularchecksmadeofallfiredoorsandescaperoutesandassociatedlighting

andsigns?

Areregularchecksmadeofallyourfirefightingequipment?

Areregularchecksmadeoffire-detectionandalarmequipment?

Arethosewhotestandmaintaintheequipmentcompetenttodoso?

Arewrittenrecordskeptofalltestingandmaintenance?

3.13Firesafetytraining Yes No N/A




Areemployeestrainedatleastonceevery12monthsontheactionstotakeinthe

eventofafire?

Doesthetraininginclude:

- Actiontotakeondiscoveringafire?

- Howtoraisethefirealarm?

- Actiontotakeonhearingthealarm?

- Procedureforevacuatingthebuildingtoaplaceofsafety?

- Wheretoassembleafterevacuatingthebuilding?

- Locationanduseoffirefightingequipment?

- Locationoffireescaperoutes?

- Howtoopenallfireescapedoors?

- Importanceofkeepingfiredoorsclosed?

- Importanceofgeneralfireprecautionsandgoodhousekeeping?

Isadditionaltraininggiventothosepersonswithspecificresponsibilitiesintheevent

ofafire(e.g.firewardens,security)?

Arewrittenrecordskeptoffiresafetytraining?

Aretheresimilararrangementsforinformingtemporary/casualworkersoffire

safetyprecautions?

Fireriskcategory–evaluatetheriskofafireoccurring

Assesstheoverallfireriskcategorybasedontheanswersinsection3.

Placeatickagainsttherelevantriskcategory.

ü

HIGHRISK

Where:

thereisaseriousrisktolifefromfire,or

therearesubstantialquantitiesofcombustiblematerials,or

therearehighlyflammablesubstances,or

thereexiststhelikelihoodoftherapidspreadoffire,heatorsmoke.

NORMALRISK

Where:

therearesufficientquantitiesofcombustiblematerialsandsourcesofheattobe

ofgreaterthanlowfirerisk,but

afirewouldbelikelytoremainconfined,ortospreadslowly.

LOWRISK

Where:

thereishardlyanyriskfromfire,and

fewcombustiblesmaterials,and

nohighlyflammablesubstances,and

virtuallynosourcesofheat.



SA8000ConsolidatedGuidance HealthandSafety

March2012 Page30of30

Step4–ActionPlan

Instructions:

Iftheanswertoanyofthequestionsinsection3wasNO,youmustidentifytheaction(s)requiredbelow.

Theassessorsectionshouldidentifytherelevantsubject(e.g.firesafetytraining),thecorrectiveaction

required,andthedatetheactionwascompleted.

Themanagementsectionshouldidentifythecostsofeachaction,thepersonresponsibleforimplementation

andthetargetcompletiondate.

ASSESSORSECTION MANAGEMENTSECTION

Ref.

No.Subject

Detailsofcorrectiveactionto

betakenorplanned

Date

completedCosts Responsibility

Completion

date

3.11 Firesigns

2additionalfireescapesigns

arerequiredinthesecondfloor

dormitory.

X

RMB

JBloggs 31June

2011

Assessorsignature: Reviewdate(Step

5):

s a 8000 health and safety

Documents