Needs
The SA8000 standard and verification system is a credible, comprehensive and efficient tool for ensuring humane workplaces and improving working conditions. The standard is based on the principles as outlined in international human rights conventions. It assists the organisation in managing its social responsibilities and in demonstrating ethical business practices. This standard, which addresses issues like child labour, forced labour, health and safety and other issues related to unethical practices, has gained much importance in various Asian countries.
The standard can also be integrated with managment processes like monitoring and reviews to make sure it stays in line with existing management system standards.
To certify conformance with SA8000, every facility requiring certification must be audited along with the organisation's offices. ICMQ auditors visit factories and assess corporate practices on a wide range of issues. They also evaluate the state of a company’s management systems, a necessity to ensure that acceptable practices are being put to use. Once an organization has implemented necessary changes, it can earn a certificate attesting to its compliance with SA8000. This certification shows a public report of good practices to consumers, buyers, and other companies and is intended to be a significant milestone in improving conditions in the workplace.
Maintaining and improving the system to achieve SA8000 certification is an ongoing process where substantive worker participation is the best means of ensuring systemic change.

ICMQ India Approach
With this knowledge in mind, ICMQ has been developing a technical-oriented approach which is customized to the relevant products/processes within the construction industry. This approach, is based on:

Certification process
The certification process is outlined in this flowchart

Benefits
Beyond the expected management system benefits, ICMQ India’s Technically oriented approach allows organisations to: