SA8000 is a social accountability standard that provides guidelines for companies in areas like child labor, forced labor, working hours, compensation, and workplace safety. It is based on international standards and is designed for independent verification. Certification to SA8000 involves auditing by an accredited certification body to verify a company's social accountability management system meets the standard's requirements. Certification benefits businesses through improved reputation and performance, while also benefiting consumers, investors, and workers by providing assurance of ethical practices.