Leela Ship Recycling becomes first yard in South Asia to achieve Social Accountability Certification
Leela Ship Recycling Pvt. Ltd. has become the first Ship Recycling Facility in South Asia to receive the Social Accountability certification, as per SA8000 standards. SA8000 is one of the world’s first auditable certification standards that encourages organisations to develop, maintain and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace. It is based on the UN Declaration of Human Rights, conventions of the ILO, UN and national law, and spans industry and corporate codes.
Mr Komalkant Sharma, C.M.D of Leela Ship Recycling, commented: “We are delighted to realise this significant achievement. Being the first ship recycling yard in South Asia to obtain a Social Accountability certification, clearly demonstrates our hard work and dedication to improving worker Health and Safety standards at Leela, setting new benchmarks for excellence. I sincerely hope that more Hong Kong Convention-compliant yards will also work to achieve this certification in the region, so that the global maritime community can further see the gradual progress taking place, and the significant investment being made to improve standards in Alang.”
SA8000 is a standard that aims to empower and protect all personnel within a company’s scope of control and influence, including those who produce products or provide services for that company. Leela’s receipt of the certification by the independent verifier IRClass, demonstrates that the Ship Recycling Facility conforms to the high standards required by the qualification, including ILO Conventions on reducing hours of work, abolition of forced labour, health and safety, remuneration, freedom of association, the right to organise collective bargaining and social security, among many others.
Critically, companies that gain this certification must consistently show it is integrated into their management systems, processes and practices and that they continually demonstrate ongoing conformance with the standard. The certificate is granted by a third party and is verifiable through an evidence-based process.
This latest achievement for Leela is a further boost for the facility’s green credentials and its commitment to sustainability. Earlier this year, Leela received a Statement of Compliance with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships from Class NK.
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Source: All about shipping
