A first in work practice standards for Alang shipbreaking yard

India – Leela Ship Recycling of Alang in India has become the first ship recycling facility in South Asia to receive the Social Accountability certification according to SA8000 standards, designed to encourage organisations to develop, maintain and apply socially-acceptable practices in the workplace. The certification is based on the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

‘Being the first ship recycling yard in South Asia to obtain this certification demonstrates our hard work and dedication to improving worker health and safety standards at Leela, setting new benchmarks for excellence,’ comments Leela’s Komalkant Sharma.

He expresses the 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’.

The SA8000 standard 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.

Companies obtaining this certification must ‘consistently’ show that it is integrated into their management systems, processes and practices and that they continually demonstrate ongoing conformity with the standard.

The certificate is granted by a third party and is verifiable through an evidence-based process. 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.