Growing global awareness of sustainability and responsible practices in the value chain has driven the need for effective tools to measure and improve companies' social and environmental impact.
The Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (FSLM) is one such tool, created to help organizations manage and monitor social and labor performance at their facilities. This module is an integral part of the Higg Index platform, which offers a holistic approach to sustainability in the fashion industry.
It aims to provide rigorous and credible verification, enabling companies to comply with social responsibility standards and promote a fair and safe working environment. By choosing the Higg FSLM verification, companies demonstrate a clear commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.
Components assessed
The Higg FSLM assesses multiple dimensions of social and working conditions in production facilities, including:
- Recruitment and hiring
- Working hours
- Wages and benefits
- Treatment of workers
- Worker participation
- Health and safety
- Termination of employment
- Management system
- Workforce standards of facilities and value chain partners
- External involvement in social and labour issues with other facilities or organizations
- Community involvement
Who does it apply to?
The Higg FSLM is applicable to all types of production facilities, from small factories to large units, in various industrial sectors. It is a crucial tool for brands, retailers and suppliers who want to ensure that their operations are aligned with the best social and labor standards.
APCER as a Verification Body
APCER is an approved verification body for Higg FSLM verifications, holding the necessary experience and qualifications to conduct these verifications in a rigorous and impartial manner. Our commitment is to ensure that facilities comply with the highest sustainability standards, contributing to a more responsible and transparent fashion industry.
Verification process
The Higg FSLM verification process involves several critical steps to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the data reported. As the verification body for the Cascale Higg FSLM program, our role is essential to guarantee the integrity of the process.
The process includes:
- Self-assessment: Facilities complete the Higg FSLM questionnaire with detailed data on their social and labor practices.
- Independent Verification: APCER reviews the data provided, conducts on-site audits and verifies compliance with the established criteria.
- Reporting and Analysis: The results of the verification are compiled into a detailed report, highlighting areas of compliance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Action Plan: Based on the report, the facility develops an action plan to address the critical areas and continuously improve its social and labor performance.
Frequency of verification
To ensure the continuity of good practices and continuous improvement, Higg FSLM checks can be carried out annually. This periodicity allows for regular monitoring of the environmental performance of the facilities and facilitates the implementation of corrective actions more effectively.
