Supplier Code of Conduct
Introduction
At Humanscale, the partnerships we have formed with our suppliers have enabled us to become the leading manufacturer of ergonomic office products. In sourcing these products, we recognize that our actions have environmental and social impacts. Humanscale is committed to conducting its business in a social and environmentally responsible manner and is committed to the highest standards of business ethics and good corporate citizenship in all of its business operations. Humanscale expects everyone in its supply and distribution chain to share these values and to conduct their business in a socially responsible manner.
This Supplier Code of Conduct (“Code”) is designed to explain Humanscale’s commitment to practice social and environmental responsibility as well as ethical conduct in all of its business operations. At Humanscale, we believe that the application of our Code enables real and practical steps to be taken towards improving social conditions in the locations involved in the production of our products. Humanscale seeks to work with companies that share these values and are prepared to commit to meeting the requirements of this Code and to conduct all business in a socially responsible manner.
The provisions of this Code are intended to constitute a minimum obtainable standard. It should not be used to prevent companies from exceeding these standards. Companies applying this Code are expected to comply with all applicable national and other laws, and to the extent national laws address the same subjects as those raised in this Code, the provision which affords the greater protection should be applied.
1.Labor Standards and Practice
Humanscale is committed to treating all team members, contractors and suppliers with dignity and respect and to promote a safe, healthy, fair and ethical work environment. All workers must be treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and Humanscale requires all its suppliers to insure compliance with all applicable human rights and labor laws and regulations.
In accordance with this Code, suppliers are required to maintain effective management systems that integrate occupational health and safety, human rights and labor policies, and ethics into their business and decision-making process. Humanscale systematically reaches out to all its suppliers to inquire on their policies and procedures for employee health and safety, hours worked, and working conditions.
Working Hours
Suppliers shall follow all applicable local laws and regulations governing working hours and days of rest. All overtime shall be voluntary. There shall be appropriate provisions for rest and sleep. Breaks, holiday allowance and rest periods shall be in full accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Freely Chosen Employment
Forced or involuntary labor shall not be used nor supported in any form. Workers shall be free to leave work or terminate their employment with reasonable notice.
Workers shall not be required to lodge "deposits" or their identity papers with their employer unless it is a legal requirement to do so. All such paperwork must be promptly returned upon the end of employment.
Compensation
Suppliers shall comply with all applicable local and national wages and benefits laws. Information relating to wages and the payment process shall be available to workers in an understandable form. No deductions from wages, other than those required by national law, shall be permitted without the agreement of the worker concerned. Deduction from wages for disciplinary purposes shall not be permitted.
Child Labor
Suppliers shall not use child labor in any form and shall respect the rights of children to be protected from economic exploitation. The term “child” refers to any person under the minimum age for employment in the country of employment, or under the age for completing compulsory education, whichever is greatest. Children and young persons under 18 shall not be employed at night or engage in hazardous conditions.
Health and Safety
Suppliers shall provide a safe and hygienic working environment with consideration to the prevailing knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards. Adequate steps shall be taken to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, associated with, or occurring in the course of work, by minimizing the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment. Suppliers shall also establish procedures to manage, track, and report occupational injury or illness.
Suppliers shall provide workers with appropriate personal protective and safety equipment.
Suppliers shall conduct full risk assessment of their sites and accommodations while regularly monitoring the risks posed to workers’ health and safety. Suppliers shall identify and assess emergency situations and implement emergency plans and response procedures accordingly.
Suppliers shall identify, evaluate and control workers’ exposure to chemical, biological and physical agents. Suppliers shall eliminate such hazards when possible. In the event such hazards cannot be eliminated, suppliers shall provide appropriate measures to mitigate the risk. No worker shall be employed in potentially hazardous conditions without receiving adequate health and safety training and supervision. Workers shall have access to clean toilet facilities and to potable water, and, if appropriate, sanitary facilities for food storage shall be provided.
Accommodation, where provided, shall be clean, safe, and meet the basic needs of the workers. Secure storage facilities should be provided.
Suppliers shall assign responsibility for health and safety to a senior management representative as well as consult with workers for their contribution is assessing the site’s health and safety and developing health and safety standards.
Discipline & Harassment
Suppliers shall provide workers with a work environment free of harassment and abuse. Suppliers will comply with all applicable local and national laws on abuse of employees and shall take every report of harassment, violence or threats of violence from its employees seriously. Suppliers shall not subject workers or threaten to subject workers to harsh or inhumane treatment, including, but not limited to, any sexual harassment, sexual abuse, corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse.
2.Human Rights Principles
Humanscale is committed to supporting and respecting the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and our policies are guided by the principles set forth in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Humanscale’s policies reflect its commitment to conduct its business operations in a manner that is consistent with these principals. Our culture and core values embody a commitment to treating all team members, contractors and suppliers with dignity and respect, and promote a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment.
Human Rights Violations
Suppliers shall ensure they are not complicit in human rights abuses and shall be committed to treating all workers with dignity and respect, and promote a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment. Suppliers must have a policy addressing slavery and human trafficking.
Freedom of Association
Suppliers shall comply with all applicable local and national laws on freedom of association and collective bargaining. The rights of workers to associate freely, seek representation and join workers’ councils will be respected.
Non-Discrimination
There shall be no discrimination in hiring, training, promotion, disciplinary practices, and other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual preference, age, disability, caste or veteran status. Suppliers shall ensure a work environment free from intimidation, violence, hostility or harassment. Suppliers shall further encourage workers to promptly report discriminatory behavior or harassment in the workplace.
Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
Suppliers must respect the rights of stakeholders, including employees, to practice local culture, work in just conditions, and maintain an adequate standard of living with essential services to maintain their physical and mental health.
External Stakeholder Human Rights
Suppliers must be respectful of local communities around which they are operating. Suppliers must be prepared to follow the RMI international protocol for reporting conflict minerals for any 3TG materials supplied.
3.Environmental Principles
Humanscale is committed to sustainable business practices and processes that minimize waste and prevent pollution, conserve energy, minimize our carbon footprint, minimize health and safety risks, and dispose of waste safely and responsibly. Humanscale takes all appropriate steps to ensure that we meet or exceed all applicable environmental laws and regulations, and we expect our suppliers to do the same.
Energy Efficiency
Suppliers shall make practical efforts to promote the efficient use of energy and resources by minimizing the use of energy, water and raw materials as well as promote the reuse and recycling of materials.
Pollution Prevention
Suppliers shall make practical efforts to minimize wastewater, solid waste, liquid waste and hazardous waste, and dispose of it in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner.
Suppliers shall identify substances that pose a hazard if released to the environment and abide by applicable laws and regulations for the use, handling and disposal of such substances. Suppliers shall avoid contamination of the local environment and ensure that airborne emissions are monitored and controlled as required by applicable laws and regulations.
Wildlife Preservation
Humanscale supports the preservation of wildlife, biodiversity, and natural spaces. We expect our suppliers to consider their impact on wildlife and operate with a respect for animal welfare.
4.Business Ethics and Integrity
Humanscale is committed to the highest standards of business ethics and good corporate citizenship. In order to continue to succeed in delivering the best possible service, we expect all of our suppliers to exercise the highest ethical judgment, maintain fair operating practices, and comply with the letter and spirit of all applicable laws.
Anti-Corruption Principles
All business dealings will be transparently performed and accurately reflected on Supplier’s business books and records. Monitoring and enforcement procedures will be implemented by Supplier to ensure conformance with anti-corruption laws.
Suppliers shall disclose information regarding business practices as well as social and environmental responsibility data upon Humanscale’s request, or as required by applicable laws and regulations.
Suppliers shall ensure protection for individuals who disclose any violations of this Code.
No Improper Advantage
Corruption, extortion and embezzlement in any form are strictly prohibited. Suppliers shall not offer or accept bribes in order to achieve any undue advantage. Any form of anti-competitive behavior, manipulation, intimidation and coercion that can undermine the procurement process will not be tolerated.
Intellectual property
Supplier shall respect intellectual property rights and honor confidentiality commitments. Supplier shall manage transfers of technology and know-how in a manner that protects intellectual property rights and is in accordance with the most stringent information protection requirements.
This Code is not intended to create new or additional rights for any third party.
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