Excerpt from standard:

"The minimum age for recruit- ment has to be 15 years, according to ILO no. 138 or, if the legal minimum age is higher, the facility has to comply with local or national legal requirements."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.45f: 4.4.6 Child labour

Excerpt from standard:

"""The facility has to avoid child labour in all their operational activities and in each sector related to its business activities, including suppliers and sub-contractors. The minimum age for recruit- ment has to be 15 years, according to ILO no. 138 or, if the legal minimum age is higher, the facility has to comply with local or national legal requirements.""""A code of conduct or policy that addresses the ILO's eight core conventions of fundamental hu- man rights and the UN Declaration of Human Rights regarding discrimination, forced labour, child labour, remuneration, freedom of associa- tion/collective bargaining, working hours, health and safety, and harassment and abuse has to be implemented."" p. 143"

Referenzdokumente:

"STeP by Ökotex, p.45f: 4.4.6 Child labourSTeP by Ökotex, p.143: Annex M Exclusion Criteria"

Excerpt from standard:

A written social policy must be introduced con-cerning reactions, remediation and communica- tion in the event that underage workers are found and for implementing a prevention system for recruitment and internal audits

Referenzdokumente:

STeP Standard 4.4.6 Child and Juvenile Labour

Excerpt from standard:

"Does the facility require proof of age during recruitment (ID card/birth certificate/family book etc.)?"

Referenzdokumente:

STeP Question Catalog, p. 67: ID 257

Excerpt from standard:

"If the facility utilises young workers, they have to hold a written policy covering attendance and treatment of young workers. Juvenile labour is defined as not older than 18 and not younger than 15 years of age. These workers should be protected by special working conditions. Work- place conditions for juvenile labour including working with hazardous, toxic and dangerous materials and working in high risk areas are strictly prohibited. The facility has to comply with all legal requirements regarding juvenile labour with respect to type of work, working hours and safety."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.45f: 4.4.6 Child labour

Excerpt from standard:

"The facility has to pay wages to all employees for their work. At least the minimum wage or the industry sector wage has be paid, whichever is higher. """"STeP by OEKO-TEX® encourage all facilities to pay wages covering all basic needs and expen- ses depending on local needs and require- ments."""

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.46f: 4.4.7 wages und benefits

Excerpt from standard:

"The facility has to pay wages to all employees for their work. At least the minimum wage or the industry sector wage has be paid, whichever is higher. ""ID 271 ""Are workers provided benefits that exceed industry norms or legal minimums?""ID 866 ""Do you have any special benefits for your employees?"""

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.46: 4.4.7 wages und benefits; STeP Question Catalog, p. 79f

Excerpt from standard:

"Overtime has to be voluntary for workers at any time and only as part of a collective bargaining agreement. The voluntary overtime has to be paid at a premium rate and not exceed 12 hours per week. Overtime has to be paid at 125% of the regular wage or in line with any legal re- quirements or collective bargaining agreements, whichever is higher."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.49: 4.4.10 Working hours

Excerpt from standard:

"These legal requirements include wage premi- ums, overtime, working on weekends and during official holidays and compensations for days off."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.46f: 4.4.7 wages und benefits

Excerpt from standard:

"Regularly training about wage benefits, piece rates and overtime calculation are mandatory for all workers. Piece rates have to be defined by attainable and appropriate targets in the written company policy. Social insurance and mandato- ry taxes have to be paid by the facility and dis- played on all pay slips. Wages have to be paid direct to workers by cheque, bank transfer or in similar ways. This has to happen on a defined regular basis and without any delay."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.46f: 4.4.7 wages und benefits

Excerpt from standard:

"The facility complies with all local or national ap- plicable legal requirements regarding the free- dom of association and the right to collective bargaining. Workers are free to form, join and organise a union or collective bargaining. The facility has to encourage and support workers to freely nominate and elect a workers' representa- tive as a spokesman for bringing the employees' needs and suggestions to the attention of the management. Where freedom of association or/and collective bargaining are prohibited by national or local law, workers' representatives are responsible for negotiating benefits and wel- fare programmes with the senior management."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.48: 4.4.9

Excerpt from standard:

"Workers are free to form, join and organise a union or collective bargaining."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.48: 4.4.9

Excerpt from standard:

"The facility has to encourage and support workers to freely nominate and elect a workers' representa- tive as a spokesman for bringing the employees' needs and suggestions to the attention of the management."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.48: 4.4.9

Excerpt from standard:

"Does the Facility has a system in place on grievances and corrective action describing types of complaints, analysis and actions taken?"

Referenzdokumente:

STeP Question Catalog, p.66 ID 251

Excerpt from standard:

"The facility has to comply with all local and na- tional legal requirements regarding forced, bon- ded, indentured and prison labour. A policy has to be introduced to ensure that employees are not restricted in their personal freedom and are in possession or in control of their own identity cards, work permits and travel documents."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.50f: 4.4.13 Forced labour

Excerpt from standard:

Workers shall be free to move without any restrictions during non-working hours.'

Referenzdokumente:

Defining the Modules 4.4.13 Forced, Bonded, Indentured and Prison Labour p.40]

Excerpt from standard:

The facility must comply with all local and national legal requirements regarding forced, bonded, indentured and prison labour. A policy must be introduced to ensure that employees are not restricted in their personal freedom and are inpossession or in control of their own identity cards, work permits and travel documents

Referenzdokumente:

STeP Standard 4.4.13 Forced, Bonded, Indentured and Prison Labour

Excerpt from standard:

"All workers have to be treated equally and the same opportunities have to be given based on performance and skills with no discrimination of race, origin, disability, religion, caste, ethnic, gender, age, sexual orientation, union or political affiliation, or any other personal and physical characteristics. Equal treatment of all employees has to be part of a non- discriminatory employ- ment, recruitment and promotion policy. This policy has to include a monitoring system for identifying and reviewing any risks of discrimina- tion. The facility has to conduct routine surveys to assess the workers' perception of fair, equal and satisfactory treatment."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.50: 4.4.12 Discrimination

Excerpt from standard:

The facility should encourage and practice diversity in hiring employees. The facility shall pay equal wages regardless of the gender, race or other physical or personal characteristics.'

Referenzdokumente:

defining the Modules 4.4.12 Discrimination p.39,40]

Excerpt from standard:

The facility has to comply with all legal requirements regarding parental leave. If no legal requirements are applicable the company shall ensure a paid leave, considering the framework of ILO 183, and develop an internal policy.

Referenzdokumente:

IV. Employment Relationship (4.4.8)SteP Standard

Excerpt from standard:

"All workers have to be treated equally and the same opportunities have to be given based on performance and skills with no discrimination of race, origin, disability, religion, caste, ethnic, gender, age, sexual orientation, union or political affiliation, or any other personal and physical characteristics. Equal treatment of all employees has to be part of a non- discriminatory employ- ment, recruitment and promotion policy. This policy has to include a monitoring system for identifying and reviewing any risks of discrimina- tion. The facility has to conduct routine surveys to assess the workers' perception of fair, equal and satisfactory treatment."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.50: 4.4.12 Discrimination

Excerpt from standard:

"All workers have to be treated equally and the same opportunities have to be given based on performance and skills with no discrimination of race, origin, disability, religion, caste, ethnic, gender, age, sexual orientation, union or political affiliation, or any other personal and physical characteristics. Equal treatment of all employees has to be part of a non- discriminatory employ- ment, recruitment and promotion policy. This policy has to include a monitoring system for identifying and reviewing any risks of discrimina- tion. The facility has to conduct routine surveys to assess the workers' perception of fair, equal and satisfactory treatment."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.50: 4.4.12 Discrimination

Excerpt from standard:

"To avoid exceeding work time it is re- quired to have at least one day off within 7 work days. Excluding overtime, a work week must not exceed 48 hours."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.49: 4.4.10 Working hours

Excerpt from standard:

"This includes regular and over- time work, time off, off-season work and holi- days. "

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.49: 4.4.10 Working hours

Excerpt from standard:

"Any purchasing, outsourcing or subcontracting of goods, materials or services, related to the services or products has to be controlled. It has to be ensured that all purchased goods/services meet all specified requirements and suppliers and the supply chain has to be assessed and monitored."" more detailed in 2. revision issued in March 2015"

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.57: 4.5.5.2 Purchasing

Excerpt from standard:

"A written labour contract has to be provided to each employee. The employee should hold the original contract and receive it on the first day of work at the latest. This labour contract has to contain the accurate terms and conditions of employment including working time, benefits and remuneration. Compliance with legal re- quirements for working contracts is obligatory. The employer has to ensure that a contract is understood by the employee."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.47, 4.4.8 Employment relationship

Excerpt from standard:

"The management systemn policy shall be defined and documented to ensure that it is relevant to the activities and services of the facility, including their social impacts. The facility shall meet all regulatory obligations and any other obligation in addition to the legal requirements. Its aim is the prevention of adverse social impacts.

Referenzdokumente:

defining the Modules 4.4.3 Social Responsibility Management System p.34

Excerpt from standard:

"""The occupational health and safety (OH&S) per- formance of the facility has to be considered at all times, referring to the following interests and • providing a safe and healthy work environ- ment• protecting workers from noise emission, dust pollution and chemical risks (...)"""

Referenzdokumente:

overview Scope (Modules) 2.6 Health and Safety Performance and Management p.9]

Excerpt from standard:

"The facility has to implement controls to prevent hazards and reduce occupational health and safety (OH&S) risks. The capacity planning of the workplaces should take into account maxi- mum capacities to avoid panic crushes in case of incidents. Production and laboratory equip- ment (machines/apparatus) has to be equipped with emergency stops in case of any incidents. A healthy work environment also explicitly in- cludes maternity protection and periodical health checks for exposed personnel."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.62: 4.6.2.1 Workplace conditions

Excerpt from standard:

"""The occupational health and safety (OH&S) per- formance of the facility has to be considered at all times, referring to the following interests and • providing a safe and healthy work environ- ment• protecting workers from noise emission, dust pollution and chemical risks (...)""ID 864 ""Does an OH&SMS exist in your facility?"""

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.61: 4.6 Occupational health and safety; STeP Question Catalog p.97

Excerpt from standard:

Is there a procedure for prevention and impact of accidents?□ Yes Please enclose document ___________ Does this procedure include the following?- regularly training on prevention and safety issues- occupational health and safety responsable person- access to basic medical services - internal risk assessment on occupational health and safety- periodical maintenance of safety equipment- others: _____□ No

Referenzdokumente:

Safety Module; ID 196

Excerpt from standard:

Social insurance and mandatory taxes shall be paid by the facility and displayed on all pay slips. Wages shall be paid direct to workers by cheque, bank transfer or in similar ways. This shall happen on a defined regular basis and without any delay. Casualty insurances or other compensation system should be provided by the facili- ty or the facility shall ensure and document liabilities to ensure compensations in cases of accidents or injuries of workers.'

Referenzdokumente:

defining the Modules 4.4.7 Wages and Benefits p.36

Excerpt from standard:

"Free and clean drinking water has to be available for workers at all times and the wa- ter quality has to be monitored by the company."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.51: 4.4.14 Sanitation, Food and Dormitories

Excerpt from standard:

"To moni- tor this compliance, the facility has to perform regular sanitation and maintenance assess- ments. "

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.51: 4.4.14 Sanitation, Food and Dormitories

Excerpt from standard:

"All structures within the facility have to be suita- ble and safe for the planned use and operation. Any located and/or reported weak points, dam- ages, etc. have to be identified and documented and measures have to be taken accordingly."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.63: 4.6.3 Facility Safety

Excerpt from standard:

"""A staff member has to be ap- pointed and trained in fire safety for any prob- lems with fire protection. Fire protection plans with measures for fire prevention, alarms, fire fighting and deployment of the fire department have to be prepared and published. ""ID 194 ""Is there a procedure for prevention and impact of fire?""ID 205 ""Does an emergency fire escape plan exist?"""

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.63: 4.6.3.2. Incidents; STeP Question Catalog

Excerpt from standard:

"Emergency plans for all possible types of incidents (e.g. fire, accidents, chemical hazards, natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, etc.) should be prepared. The indication of escape routes and emergency exits as well as free access to these should be double-checked annually. Moreover, the functioning of emergency equipment has to be checked annually. Emergency and evacua- tion training should take place at least every three years."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.63: 4.6.3.2. Incidents

Excerpt from standard:

The facility shall comply with all national or local legal requirements regarding workplace harassment and abuse. Neither corporal punishment nor deductions of wages shall be used as disciplinary measures. A written policy shall be introduced to avoid physical, psychological, verbal or sexual abuse and harassment including gestures and touching.This policy shall also cover a prevention sys- tem to avoid harassment and abuse in the workplace, in dormito- ries or other premises of the facility. (...)If workers have suffered harassment and/or abuse, an implemented assistance or welfare program should be in place, e.g. professional counselling.'

Referenzdokumente:

defining the Modules 4.4.11 Harassment and Abuse p.39

Excerpt from standard:

"They have to ensure that employees are compe- tent and include employees whose work impacts whether services/products meet requirements. It has to be decided which skills are required; these have to be provided and maintained. It has to be ensured that staff receives the correct training (in accordance with the objectives) and the effectiveness of the training/actions taken has to be evaluated. It has to be decided which infrastructure and work environment is needed to meet the requirements of the system and the operation. These have to be provided and main- tained."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.56: 4.5.4 Ressource management

Excerpt from standard:

An environmental management system (EMS) is a management tool or framework, a documented description of the processes and activities for achieving environmental objectives and continuous improvement of comprehensive environmental performance. The EMS of an organisation should document and describe the procedures for scope, metrics, implementation, maintenance, improvement and communication of activities and intentions of the organisation.'

Referenzdokumente:

overview Scope (Modules) 2.3 Environmental Management p.8

Excerpt from standard:

"A collection of all documents which form the ba- sis for the legal existence and the lawful opera- tion of the organisation has to be available and organised for review at all times. A listing of the relevant national, local and international laws and regulations impacting the organisation has to be available and organised, ready for review and audit."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p. 44: 4.4.4 Laws and regulations

Excerpt from standard:

"A collection of all documents which form the ba- sis for the legal existence and the lawful opera- tion of the organisation has to be available and organised for review at all times. A listing of the relevant national, local and international laws and regulations impacting the organisation has to be available and organised, ready for review and audit. (...) They have to ensure com- pliance with these laws and regulations. In any case, compliance with both local (or national) le- gal requirements and the STeP by OEKO-TEX® requirements has to be ensured."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.44f: 4.4.4 Laws and regulations

Excerpt from standard:

Does the facility policy include an equal treatment of all workers, and the same opportunity is given based on performance and skills, with no discrimination on race, religion, caste, ethnicity, gender, age, political affiliation, or any other personal and physical characteristics?□ Yes If yes, does it this include? □ equal wages □ equals career opportunities □ equal treatment of Complaints □ benefits and premiums □ others please describe here□ No

Referenzdokumente:

ID 309 / STeP Assessment

Excerpt from standard:

"""Any purchasing, outsourcing or subcontracting of goods, materials or services, related to the services or products has to be controlled. It has to be ensured that all purchased goods/services meet all specified requirements and suppliers and the supply chain has to be assessed and monitored. There should be a description of planned purchases to ensure it meets all re- quirements.Suppliers should be involved in the process of improving social and environmental ethics.This improves and facilitates monitoring and evaluation of suppliers."""

Referenzdokumente:

STeP by Ökotex, p.57: 4.5.5.2 Purchasing

Excerpt from standard:

The facility shall consider investments in local communities to support local developments.

Referenzdokumente:

STeP Question Catalog, p. 76: Sanitation, Food and Housing

Excerpt from standard:

"systems for controlling and preventing inci- dents with environmental impact such as spill- ages into waters and soil, uncontrolled emis- sions and fire."

Referenzdokumente:

STeP environemtal module; purpose of environmental module / 4.2.1 and following chapters