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SEDEX SMETA 4-Pillar audit checklist template

SEDEX SMETA 4-Pillar audit checklist template

Transform your business with the SEDEX SMETA 4-Pillar Audit Checklist. Navigate audits in labor standards, health and safety, environment, and business ethics effortlessly. Download Lumiform’s customizable template today and discover the secret to regulatory mastery.

Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.
  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Assign and track corrective actions
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF
SEDEX SMETA 4-Pillar audit checklist template

Transform your business with the SEDEX SMETA 4-Pillar Audit Checklist. Navigate audits in labor standards, health and safety, environment, and business ethics effortlessly. Download Lumiform’s customizable template today and discover the secret to regulatory mastery.

Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.
  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Assign and track corrective actions
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF

The SEDEX SMETA 4-Pillar audit checklist template provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating your organization’s ethical trade practices across labor standards, health and safety, environment, and business ethics. Unlike simplified compliance tools, this template aligns specifically with the globally recognized SMETA methodology, allowing you to identify gaps before formal audits occur.

When your retail partners suddenly require SMETA compliance verification, you can quickly demonstrate your ethical standards instead of scrambling to prepare. According to SEDEX, the SMETA audit is now “the world’s most widely used social audit” SEDEX, making this template essential for maintaining competitive advantage in global supply chains.

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Preview of the template
Page 1
Labour Standards
1. Does the facility have a written policy/procedure on employment practices?
2. Does the policy/procedure explicitly cover forced/bonded/indentured/prison labour?
3. Does the policy/procedure explicitly prohibit the use of child labour?
4. Does the facility have a system to verify the age of workers?
5. Does the facility have a procedure to maintain personnel files for all workers?
6. Does the facility provide written contracts for all workers?
7. Do the written contracts include details on: working hours, wages, overtime, leave, termination conditions, etc.?
8. Does the facility have a process to record workers' regular and overtime hours worked?
9. Does the facility pay workers at least the legal minimum wage?
10. Does the facility pay workers for overtime hours at a premium rate?
Health and Safety
11. Does the facility have a written health and safety policy/procedure?
12. Does the facility conduct regular risk assessments to identify and control workplace hazards?
13. Does the facility have a procedure to report, investigate and document workplace injuries and illnesses?
14. Does the facility provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers?
15. Does the facility have clearly marked and unobstructed emergency exits and evacuation routes?
16. Does the facility conduct regular fire drills and evacuations?
17. Does the facility provide clean drinking water and adequate and clean toilet facilities for workers?
Environment
18. Does the facility have a written environmental policy/procedure?
19. Does the facility have a system to monitor and control the environmental impact of its operations?
20. Does the facility have a procedure to handle and dispose of chemical, hazardous, and non-hazardous waste?
21. Does the facility have a procedure to handle and dispose of wastewater?
22. Does the facility have a procedure to monitor and control energy and water usage?
Business Ethics
23. Does the facility have a written policy/procedure on business ethics?
24. Does the policy/procedure cover bribery, corruption, and conflicts of interest?
25. Does the facility have a grievance mechanism for workers to report ethical concerns?
26. Does the facility provide training on business ethics to workers?

Frequently asked questions

How does this checklist template help prepare for an official SMETA audit?

This template mirrors the official SMETA audit structure, allowing you to conduct thorough internal assessments before formal audits. It helps identify non-compliances, implement corrective actions, gather required documentation, and train staff on expectations, significantly improving your chances of a successful official audit.

What makes the 4-pillar checklist different from the 2-pillar version?

The 4-pillar checklist includes the comprehensive Environment assessment (not just the shortened version) and adds the Business Ethics pillar, which examines anti-corruption practices and ethical business conduct. This makes it more thorough and suitable for organizations wanting to demonstrate full ethical commitment beyond basic compliance.

What specific documentation should I prepare when using this checklist?

Focus on gathering policy documents, training records, employment contracts, health and safety procedures, environmental permits, waste management records, and business ethics policies. The template guides you through required documentation for each section, helping ensure you have everything needed for verification.

How often should I conduct internal audits using the SMETA 4-pillar checklist?

Most organizations conduct internal SMETA audits quarterly or biannually, while official SMETA audits typically occur annually or every two years. Regular internal audits using this template help maintain continuous compliance and allow you to address issues promptly before they become significant problems.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.