RSPO Interactive Indicators & Guidance 2024
People
Principle 4
Respect community and human rights, and deliver benefits
Impact Goals
The Criteria and Indicators in Principle 4 are linked to the following Long-term Outcomes in the RSPO Theory of Change:
People
L1
Planet
L4, L5, L6
Prosperity
L9
4.1 Criteria
There is a mutually agreed and documented process for dealing with conflict or dispute over land and other resources which is implemented and accepted by all affected parties.
Indicators
4.1.1 (C)
In the event there is a conflict or dispute over land and other resources, the Unit of Certification shall have a mutually agreed process, open to all affected parties, that resolves conflict or dispute over land and other resources in an effective, timely, and appropriate manner. The process shall ensure anonymity of complainants, HRDs, community spokespersons, and whistleblowers, where requested, without risk of reprisal or intimidation, and shall follow the latest RSPO policy on respect for Human Rights Defenders.
4.1.2
The process includes the option of access to independent legal and technical advice, the ability for complainants to choose individuals or groups to support them and/or act as observers, as well as the option of a third-party mediator.
4.1.3
The process is understood by the affected parties, including by illiterate parties.
4.1.4
The Unit of Certification shall keep parties to a conflict or dispute informed of its progress, including against agreed timeframes, and the outcome is available and communicated to relevant stakeholders.
Guidance
4.2 Criteria
The Unit of Certification contributes to local sustainable development as agreed through consultation with local communities.
Indicators
4.2.1
Contributions to community development that are based on the results of consultation with local communities shall be demonstrated.
Guidance
4.3 Criteria
Use of the land for oil palm does not diminish the legal, customary, or user rights of other users without their Free, Prior and Informed Consent.
Indicators
4.3.1 (C)
Documents showing legal ownership or lease, or authorised use of customary land authorised by customary landowners through a Free, Prior and Informed (FPIC) process. Documents related to the history of land tenure and the actual legal or customary use of the land are available.
4.3.2
Copies of documents evidencing agreement-making processes and negotiated agreements detailing the FPIC process are available and include:
A) Evidence that a plan has been developed through consultation and discussion in good faith with all affected groups in the communities, with particular assurance that vulnerable, minorities’ and gender groups are consulted, and that information has been provided to all affected groups, including information on the steps that are taken to involve them in decision making;
B) Evidence that the Unit of Certification has respected communities’ decisions to give or withhold their consent to the operation at the time that these decisions were taken; and
C) Evidence that the legal, economic, environmental, and social implications of permitting operations on their land have been understood and accepted by affected communities, including the implications for the legal status of their land at the expiry of the Unit of Certification’s title, concession, or lease on the land.
4.3.3 (C)
Maps of an appropriate scale showing the extent of recognised legal, customary, or user rights are developed through participatory mapping involving affected parties (including neighbouring communities where applicable, and relevant authorities).
4.3.4
All relevant information is available in appropriate forms and languages, including assessments of impacts, proposed benefit sharing, and legal arrangements.
4.3.5 (C)
Evidence is available to show that communities are represented through institutions or representatives of their own choosing, including by legal counsel if they so choose.
4.3.6
There is evidence that implementation of agreements negotiated through FPIC is annually reviewed in consultation with affected parties.
Guidance
4.4 Criteria
No new plantings are established on local peoples’ land where it can be demonstrated that there are legal, customary, or user rights, without their FPIC. This is dealt with through a documented system that enables these and other stakeholders to express their views through their own representative institutions.
Indicators
4.4.1 (C)
Documents showing identification and assessment of demonstrable legal, customary, and user rights are available.
4.4.2 (C)
FPIC is obtained for all oil palm development through a comprehensive process, including in particular, full respect for their legal and customary rights to the territories, lands, and resources via local communities’ own representative institutions, with all the relevant information and documents made available, with option of resourced access to independent advice through a documented, long-term and two-way process of consultation and negotiation.
4.4.3
Evidence is available that affected local peoples understand they have the right to say ‘no’ to operations planned on their lands before and during initial discussions, during the stage of information gathering and associated consultations, during negotiations, and up until an agreement with the Unit of Certification is signed and ratified by these local peoples. Negotiated agreements are non-coercive and entered into voluntarily and carried out prior to new operations.
4.4.4
To ensure local food and water security, as part of the FPIC process, participatory SEIA, and participatory land-use planning with local peoples, the full range of food and water provisioning options are considered. There is transparency of the land allocation process.
4.4.5
Evidence is available that the affected communities and rights holders have had the option to access information and advice that is independent of the project proponent, concerning the legal, economic, environmental, and social implications of the proposed operations on their lands.
4.4.6
Evidence is available that the communities (or their representatives) gave consent to the initial planning phases of the operations prior to the issuance of a new concession or land title to the operator.
4.4.7
New lands will not be acquired for plantations and mills after 15 November 2018 as a result of recent (2005 or later) expropriations in the national interest without consent (eminent domain), except in cases of smallholders benefitting from agrarian reform or anti-drug programmes.
4.4.8 (C)
New lands are not acquired in areas inhabited by communities in voluntary isolation.
Guidance
4.5 Criteria
Any negotiations concerning compensation for loss of legal, customary, or user rights are dealt with through a documented system that enables indigenous peoples, local communities, and other stakeholders to express their views through their own representative institutions.
Indicators
4.5.1 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall develop a mutually agreed procedure for identifying legal, customary, or user rights, and ensure that a procedure for identifying people entitled to compensation is in place.
4.5.2 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall develop a mutually agreed procedure for calculating and distributing fair and gender-equal compensation (monetary or otherwise) is established and implemented, monitored, and evaluated in a participatory way, and corrective actions taken as a result of this evaluation.
4.5.3
The Unit of Certification shall provide evidence that equal opportunities are provided to both men and women to hold land titles for small holdings.
4.5.4
The Unit of Certification shall document the process and outcomes of any negotiated agreements, compensation, and payments, with evidence of the participation of affected parties, and made publicly available to them.
Guidance
4.6 Criteria
Where it can be demonstrated that local peoples have legal, customary, or user rights, they are compensated for any agreed land acquisitions and relinquishment of rights, subject to their FPIC and negotiated agreements.
Indicators
4.6.1 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall ensure that a mutually agreed procedure for identifying people entitled to compensation is in place.
4.6.2 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall ensure that a mutually agreed procedure for calculating and distributing fair compensation (monetary or otherwise) is in place and documented and made available to affected parties.
4.6.3
The Unit of Certification shall ensure that communities that have lost access and rights to land for plantation expansion are given opportunities to benefit from plantation development.
Guidance
4.7 Criteria
The right to use the land is demonstrated and is not legitimately contested by local people who can demonstrate that they have legal, customary, or user rights.
Indicators
4.7.1
Where there are or have been disputes, the Unit of Certification shall provide proof of legal acquisition of title and evidence that mutually agreed compensation has been made to all people who held legal, customary, or user rights at the time of acquisition, and provided to parties to a dispute, and that any compensation was accepted following a documented process of FPIC.
4.7.2 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall ensure that land conflict is not present in its area. Where land conflict exists, the UoC ensures that acceptable conflict resolution processes (Refer to Criteria 4.1 and 4.5) are implemented and accepted by the parties involved. In the case of newly acquired plantations, the UoC addresses any unresolved conflict through appropriate conflict resolution mechanisms.
4.7.3
Where there is evidence of acquisition through dispossession or forced abandonment of customary and user rights prior to the current operations and there remain parties with demonstrable customary and land use rights, the Unit of Certification ensures that these claims are settled using the relevant requirements (Refer to Indicators 4.3.2, 4.3.3 and 4.3.4).
4.7.4
For any conflict or dispute over the land, the Unit of Certification shall ensure that the extent of the disputed area is mapped out in a participatory way with involvement of affected parties (including neighbouring communities, where applicable).
Guidance
Principle 5
Support and provide opportunities for smallholder inclusion
Impact Goals
The Criteria and Indicators in Principle 5 are linked to the following Long-term Outcomes in the RSPO Theory of Change:
5.1 Criteria
The Unit of Certification shall engage and trade with interested smallholders in a fair and transparent way. Smallholder inclusion in the UoC's RSPO certified supply chain should be strengthened.
Indicators
5.1.1 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall develop and implement process(es)/procedure(s) to conduct fairly and transparently with all smallholders, including interested RSPO certified independent smallholders.
The process(es)/procedure(s) shall include:
A) Current and historical prices paid for FFB supplied to the UoC's mill(s), publicly available or upon request;
B) Transparent and clear explanation of the UoC's FFB supply pricing mechanism (if requested);
C) Fair pricing, including premium FFB pricing (where applicable);
D) Mutual agreement of terms, schedule of activities, budget, beneficiaries, characterisation of the producers, and timeframe of payments for FFB supplied; and
E) Annual inspection and verification of the UoC's FFB weighing scale by an appropriate independent third party or a government authority.
5.1.2 (C)
Where there is a contractual agreement(s) between the Unit of Certification and smallholder(s) for FFB supply, the UoC shall provide evidence that such contractual agreement(s) are mutually agreed through a fair and transparent process.
5.1.3 (C)
Where there is a contractual agreement(s) between the Unit of Certification and smallholder(s) for FFB supply, evidence shall be demonstrated that smallholder(s) understand key terms of such contractual agreement(s), and received payments in accordance with terms stated within.
The evidence shall specify, at a minimum:
A) Date of receipt/documentation;
B) Price per unit of FFB supplied and timeline for payment;
C) Weight of FFB supplied;
D) Deductions (if any); and
E) Total price paid by the UoC for FFB supplied.
5.1.4 (C)
To support smallholder inclusion and to strengthen downstream traceability, the Unit of Certification shall actively engage, consult, and provide opportunities for all smallholders to access the UoC’s RSPO certified supply chain where feasible, including interested RSPO certified independent smallholders.
Where potential smallholder partnership or collaboration opportunities is identified and is feasible, the UoC shall develop mutually agreed terms or agreement(s) that specify:
For non-RSPO certified independent smallholder groups
A) Management of the RSPO certification process;
B) Roles and responsibilities of the UoC and smallholders for operating the internal control system (ICS); and
C) Certificate ownership.
For RSPO certified independent smallholder groups
A) Distribution, handling, and marketing of physical certified FFB, where possible.
Guidance
5.2 Criteria
The Unit of Certification shall support interested smallholders within its supply base to develop, operate, and improve their livelihoods; in particular interested certified independent smallholders.
Indicators
5.2.1
In collaboration with interested smallholders within its supply base, the Unit of Certification shall develop, implement, and review annually a smallholder support plan to improve agricultural practices.
The plan shall include, at a minimum:
A) Training on sustainable agricultural practices;
B) Support to enhance legality of smallholder FFB production; and
C) Support to identify geolocation of FFB origins.
5.2.2
The Unit of Certification shall ensure that interested smallholders participating in its smallholder support plan are trained and can show understanding of key sustainable agricultural practices necessary to increase FFB productivity.
The development of training in the plan should prioritise training(s) relevant to RSPO, aligned with the requirements/guidance of RSPO Principles and Criteria 2024, as appropriate topics and goals for smallholders.
5.2.3
The Unit of Certification shall identify potential opportunities and implement additional activities that contribute to livelihood improvement of smallholders within its supply base. Development and implementation of the activities shall take into consideration results of participatory consultations conducted with such smallholders.
Guidance
Principle 6
Respect workers’ rights and working conditions
Impact Goals
The Criteria and Indicators in Principle 6 are linked to the following Long-term Outcomes in the RSPO Theory of Change:
6.1 Criteria
All forms of discrimination are prohibited against all Workers.
Indicators
6.1.1 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall establish and implement a non-discrimination policy which is applicable to recruitment, hiring, work scope, pay, and benefits, and access to training, promotion, facilities, and work equipment. This policy shall be Publicly Available and socialised to the Workforce and Contractors.
6.1.2 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall provide equal opportunities to all workers.
6.1.3
The Unit of Certification shall ensure that all workers receive remuneration for work of equal value and evaluation, which is based on both their experience and the quality of their work.
Guidance
6.2 Criteria
Working conditions for all Workers shall meet at least legal or industry standards
Indicators
6.2.1 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall establish and implement procedure(s) for recruitment, selection, hiring, promotion, retirement, suspension, and termination. The procedure(s) shall be documented, and socialised to all workers. The document shall be made available upon request.
6.2.2 (C)
The Unit of Certifiication shall ensure that:
A) Employment contracts shall set out the terms and conditions of employment in compliance with national legal requirements or any collective bargaining agreement (if applicable). The terms and conditions shall include pay, regular working hours, deductions, overtime, sick leave, leave entitlement, maternity leave, reasons for dismissal, repatriation (if applicable), and termination notice.
B) The terms and conditions of the employment contract, or collective bargaining agreement, along with applicable labour laws, shall be made available and explained to workers in a language they understand prior to signing of the contract. The UoC shall acquire acknowledgment from the workers regarding their understanding of the terms and conditions of employment.
C) A copy of the employment contract shall be given to the workers.
D) There shall be no contract substitution. If national regulations require more than one contract to be signed by workers, the higher standard or provisions will apply.
E) Any amendments to the employment contract shall be agreed to by the Worker. This does not include the terms and conditions in the collective bargaining agreement, if applicable.
6.2.3
The Unit of Certification shall demonstrate that the International Migrant Workers signed the UoC’s employment contract in the country where they were hired.
6.2.4
The Unit of Certification shall maintain a worker register for up to five years from the date of workers’ resignation or termination of employment, or as determined by national regulation.
Records of remediation for cases of forced labour, trafficking in persons, and repayment of recruitment fees (where applicable) shall be kept for up to five years from the date of worker’s resignation or termination of employment.
6.2.5
Permanent, full-time employment is used for all Core Work in the Unit of Certification.
Casual and short-term workers who are rehired for more than three successive times shall be provided the opportunity to become permanent full-time workers on the fourth rehiring.
6.2.6 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall ensure that:
A) All Workers are paid and provided with payslips in accordance with the terms of their employment contracts (monthly, weekly, daily, or piece rate, as relevant).
B) The details on the payslips, including the calculation of wages and lawful deductions, are clearly explained to the Workers in a language they understand.
C) Records are maintained for each and every type of Worker, detailing hours worked (both regular and overtime), the calculation of wages and lawful deductions, and the actual wages paid.
D) Where several members of a family are employed by the UoC, each family member shall have separate payslips. The wages earned shall be reflected in their individual payslips.
6.2.7 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall ensure that:
A) Piece-rate wages are not less than the legal piece-rate minimum wage, or the rate specified in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), as applicable. Where there is no legal minimum or CBA piece-rate wage, wages shall be calculated proportionately and not less than the legal minimum wage or the CBA wage. Work targets shall be achievable within regular working hours.
B) Overtime wage rate is not less than the national legal overtime rate or the rate specified in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), as applicable. Where legal and CBA rates are not available, the overtime wage rate shall not be less than one-and-one-quarter times the regular wage rate.
C) Where a work day is curtailed due to workplace injuries, a full day's wage is paid to the affected Worker (regardless of worker type) or as per the legal or Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provision. Workplace injuries refer to injuries caused by work-related accidents.
6.2.8 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall provide for Workers living within the Unit of Certification housing that ensures:
A) Structural safety;
B) At least minimum space per worker;
C) Sewage and garbage disposal;
D) Supply of water, including water that is safe to drink;
E) Supply of electricity;
F) Sanitary, washing, and cooking facilities; and
G) Appropriate protection against weather elements
The UoC shall ensure workers, and their families (if applicable), have access to healthcare, education (for workers' children), and welfare amenities. The facilities and amenities provided shall comply with applicable national and/or international law requirements.
In cases of acquisitions of non-certified supply base by the UoC, a plan shall be developed detailing the upgrade of infrastructure, if necessary. The plan shall be implemented within 5 years from when FFB production starts and the UoC shall review the plan annually. The plan shall meet applicable national and/or international law requirements.
6.2.9 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall ensure workers have access to safe, sufficient, and affordable food.
Guidance
6.3 Criteria
Living Wage shall be paid to all workers, progressively
Indicators
6.3.1 (C)
Aligned with the Revised RSPO Living Wage Strategy 2023, Living Wage shall be paid to all workers.
The Unit of Certification shall calculate prevailing wages annually in accordance with 'RSPO Prevailing Wage Calculation Procedure'.
Procedural Note
The Unit of Certification shall use the existing 'RSPO Guidance on Calculating Prevailing Wages' until the 'RSPO Prevailing Wage
Calculation Procedure' is available. Revised RSPO Living Wage Strategy 2023 has 3 key steps:
Step One: Calculate prevailing wage
Step Two: Identify Living Wage gaps.
Step Three: Verify and close Living Wage gaps.
Guidance
6.4 Criteria
The Unit of Certification shall respect the rights of all Workers to form and join trade unions, associations of their choice, or Worker Organisations with their own representatives to bargain collectively. Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted under law, the employer facilitates a parallel means of independent and free association and bargaining for all Workers through representatives of their choice.
Indicators
6.4.1 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall establish and implement a policy recognising freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, and Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), where available. This policy shall be made Publicly Available.
6.4.2
The Unit of Certification shall allow nomination, formation, functioning, and administration of Workers' Organisations and registered trade unions free from interference. Workers that participate in such organisations shall be protected against discrimination, retaliation, and intimidation or harassment (including threats) such as penalties or repercussion.
The UoC shall provide facilities free of charge within its premises for workers to engage with each other and their representatives.
6.4.3
The Unit of Certification shall document the minutes of meetings between the UoC and trade unions or workers' representatives. These minutes of meetings shall be accessible upon request, and shall be explained in language(s) the workers understand. The actions agreed upon at these meetings shall be implemented and status of actions is updated.
Guidance
6.5 Criteria
There is no use of Child Labour
Indicators
6.5.1 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall establish and implement a policy for the protection of children, and the prohibition and remediation for child labour. The policy shall be made Publicly Available.
The UoC shall socialise this policy and the negative effects of child labour to the Workforce, Contractors, Suppliers, and any other relevant stakeholders, in a language that they understand.
6.5.2 (C)
For non-hazardous work, the Unit of Certification is permitted to employ young workers from the age of 15, following the national minimum age or the company policy's minimum age, whichever is higher. The work shall not interfere with schooling nor be harmful to their health or development. Young workers shall be paid and provided individual payslips.
6.5.3 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall document and implement an age screening verification procedure. In the event child labour is found, the UoC shall conduct remediation as guided by the latest version of the 'RSPO Guidance on Child Rights for Palm Oil Producers'.
Guidance
6.6 Criteria
All forms of intimidation, harassment, abuse, or violence in the workplace are prevented, mitigated, and addressed.
Indicators
6.6.1 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall establish and implement a policy for prohibiting all forms of intimidation and harassment (including threats), sexual harassment, abuse, and violence. There shall be procedures for investigation, disciplinary actions/sanctions, and remediation. The policy shall be made publicly available and socialised to Workforce, suppliers, and Contractors in a language that they understand.
Guidance
6.7 Criteria
Rights of women workers are respected and promoted and where violations are found, women shall be provided access to remediation.
Indicators
6.7.1 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall establish and implement a policy to protect the rights of women Workers (e.g., reproductive rights, maternal health, women's safety). The policy shall be made publicly available and socialised to the Workforce in a language that they understand.
6.7.2 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall facilitate the formation of a Womens' Welfare and Empowerment Committee of women workers to discuss matters such as, but not limited to, those related to discrimination, safety, grievances, or workplace issues. The Womens' Welfare and Empowerment Committee shall be permitted to decide the frequency of meetings. Meetings shall be conducted in a language that is understood or spoken by its members. The UoC shall provide a safe and secure meeting place.
The Unit of Certification shall respond to any issues presented by the Women’s Welfare and Empowerment Committee. Any actions taken shall be documented. Where no action is taken, the UoC shall record its reasons.
6.7.3 (C)
No work with hazardous chemicals is undertaken by pregnant or breastfeeding women workers. The Unit of Certification shall provide safe alternative work with equivalent pay to the identified women workers. Pregnancy tests shall be provided when legally mandated and with the women workers' consent.
6.7.4
The Unit of Certification shall assess the medical and maternity needs of expectant and new mothers in consultation with them, and actions shall be taken to address the needs that have been identified.
Guidance
6.8 Criteria
Forced Labour and Trafficking in persons is prohibited. Prevention and remediation procedures are in place.
*National Interpretations shall include information on national regulations governing recruitment fees and related costs, where applicable.
Indicators
6.8.1 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall develop and implement policies and procedures on the prevention and remediation of Forced Labour and trafficking in persons; reference is made to International Labour Organisation (ILO)'s Indicators of Forced Labour. The policies and procedures shall be made Publicly Available and socialised to the Workforce, Suppliers, and Contractors in a language that they understand.
Where migrant workers are employed, specific labour procedures shall be established and implemented.
Where third party labour recruiters are used, the Unit of Certification shall conduct an evaluation of them against Indicator 6.8.1 (C).
6.8.2 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall ensure that there is no debt bondage, withholding of wages, or collection of any payments directly or indirectly, including through deductions from wages and/or benefits.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
A) Wage deductions due to inability to meet unachievable work targets;
B) Allowing wage arrears to accumulate due to delayed payment (beyond the payment date agreed in the employment contracts) or non-payment of wages;
C) Deception in the calculation and payment of wages, including unlawful wage deductions;
D) Requiring workers to pay deposits to the Unit of Certification;
E) Wage advances and loans (and related interest rates) which exceed the limits prescribed by law; and
F) Recruitment fees and related costs
6.8.3 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall repay active workers (as of, and from, the adoption date of the RSPO Principles & Criteria 2024) who have paid recruitment fees or related costs.
6.8.4 (C)
Workers' government-issued identity documents and other personal documents shall not be kept by the Unit of Certification. These documents may be handed to the UoC, or those acting on its behalf, for mandatory legal or immigration processing purposes with the consent of the Workers, and shall be returned without undue delay.
Secure storage for these documents shall be provided for those workers who are accommodated by the UoC and shall be freely accessible to the Workers.
6.8.5 (C)
Workers shall be able to enter or exit the Unit of Certification's work and accommodation premises in accordance with reasonable measures related to health, safety, security, and employment terms.
6.8.6 (C)
Workers who live on-site shall have access to transport and/or means of communication (e.g., telephones, SIM cards, phone credits). Restriction of transport and/or communication shall not be used as a disciplinary measure.
6.8.7 (C)
For overtime work, informed consent of the worker shall be obtained. The total working hours shall allow for breaks and rest periods during a working day, as determined by local and/or national laws, including at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in every 7-day period. When work is offered on rest days, informed consent of the worker must be obtained, and they may work for not more than 14 days continuously.
6.8.8 (C)
Workers shall have the right to enter into, and terminate, their employment. Termination of contract(s) shall be in accordance with their terms of employment. Penalty for termination of employment is prohibited.
Guidance
6.9 Criteria
The Unit of Certification shall implement health and safety practices to protect workers from occupational illness, disease, and injury.
Indicators
6.9.1 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall establish and implement Occupational Health and Safety policies. The policies shall be made publicly available and socialised to the Workforce in a language that they understand.
The policies shall include provisions that will:
A) Assure a safe and healthy working place;
B) Prevent work-related illnesses, diseases, and injuries;
C) Create a mechanism for Workers to report and raise health and safety issues, including work related accidents, illnesses, diseases, injuries, and emergencies;
D) Comply with applicable national laws and Collective Bargaining Agreements (where applicable);
E) Provide access to water that is safe to drink at workplace; and
F) Establish roles and responsibilities of the Unit of Certification, Health & Safety Committees, and Workers in relation to health and safety.
6.9.2 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall establish Health and Safety (H&S) Committees at its mill(s) and estate(s). The H&S Committee shall include members from management, worker representatives, Worker Organisations, and registered trade unions (where applicable). The H&S Committee meetings shall be conducted in a language understood by all members. The UoC shall respond to any issues raised by the H&S Committee. The committee shall meet quarterly.
The Unit of Certification shall be responsible for the following matters which are managed through its H&S Committee:
A) Workplace health and safety issues, including regular worksite safety inspections, training, and continuous improvements;
B) Review Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC), in consultation with Health and Safety (H&S) Committees;
C) Identification of the necessary controls for the elimination of workplace hazards;
D) Identification, safe storage, mixing, and usage of chemicals including pesticides in the workplace, and establishing a documented procedure for the safe storage, handling, mixing, use, and safe disposal of chemicals;
E) Continued improvement of the management system to enhance its H&S performance;
F) Concerns raised by workers about health, safety, and welfare; and
G) Collaborate with the Women’s Welfare and Empowerment Committee to address specific health and safety risks for women Workers.
6.9.3 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall conduct hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control (HIRARC) at its mill(s) and estate(s) respectively, to identify health and safety issues including gender-specific impacts (e.g., impact of pesticides on reproductive health, pregnant women, young workers), suitable job-specific Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). and persons with disabilities. The HIRARC shall be conducted by competent personnel* who has been trained in HIRARC assessment. The HIRARC shall be reviewed and approved by an authorised health and safety officer.
The Unit of Certification shall be responsible for the following matters which are managed through its H&S Committee:
*National Interpretations should identify requirements for competent personnel.
6.9.4 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall develop and implement risk mitigation practices and corrective actions (a 'H&S Plan') in consultation with the Health and Safety (H&S) Committees for both its mill(s) and estate(s), based on the UoC's HIRARC. The H&S Plan shall be monitored and reviewed annually.
6.9.5 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall provide suitable, appropriate, and good conditioned PPE (as determined by the HIRARC assessment) to all workers, free of charge.
Workers shall receive training on the importance of proper use and maintenance of essential PPE.
Records of the PPE issuance shall be documented and maintained. When there is a need for replacement, it shall be provided free of charge.
Sanitation facilities shall be made available for workers applying hazardous chemicals to change out of PPE, wash, and wear their personal clothing. A designated area for washing PPE shall be provided.
6.9.6 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall provide training on updated job-specific occupational health and safety procedures to relevant Workers (e.g., operational supervisors), taking into account gender-specific needs, in a form and language that they understand. The UoC shall conduct assessment of the training conducted, and records of assessment and training shall be maintained.
6.9.7
The Unit of Certification shall assign personnel trained in first aid to all operations. Workers shall have access to first aid kits at all times.
6.9.8
The Unit of Certification shall establish an Emergency Response Procedure (ERP) in accordance with the risk assessment conducted by the UoC. The ERP shall be made available and socialised to the Workforce in a language that they understand.
The ERP shall include:
A) Establishment of an Emergency Response Team (ERT) trained in first aid to provide emergency response in all operations;
B) Contact details of personnel responsible for emergencies;
C) Contact details and address of nearest medical facilities (e.g., dispensaries, medical practitioners); and
D) Safety drills (e.g., fire evacuation)
The ERP shall be reviewed annually, and results of the review shall be documented.
6.9.9 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall provide annual medical surveillance for Workers handling hazardous chemicals, free of charge. Actions to treat related health conditions shall be documented.
6.9.10
The Unit of Certification shall record occupational injuries and illnesses using Lost Time Incidents (LTI) metrics. Processes to investigate work-related incidents shall be developed and implemented. Reports of the investigation shall be documented.
6.9.11
The Unit of Certification shall provide all workers with medical care and be covered by accident insurance. Costs incurred from work-related incidents leading to illness, disease, or injury are covered in accordance with national law or by the UoC where national law does not offer protection.
6.9.12 (C)
The Unit of Certification shall ensure that only trained workers handle, use, or apply chemicals in accordance with the manufacturers’ or suppliers’ instructions and precautions. Personnel handling, using, or applying chemicals must demonstrate up-to-date understanding and knowledge related to their assigned tasks.
Guidance
Annexes
Terms And Definitions
A list of key terms and definitions used in the 2024 RSPO P&C and the 2024 RSPO ISH Standard is provided in Annex 1, aligned for consistency across both standards.
The first instance of a key term with a definition in each criterion and each indicator will be underlined, and linked to the relevant section of Annex 1.