Integrity Standard - Work Environment

Policy:
We are committed to maintaining a work environment that is safe and secure and where we treat each other with honesty, dignity, and respect. The diversity of employees is a tremendous asset. Valuing all employees as unique individuals leads to a more productive and fulfilling work environment. We value the diverse contributions of all people, regardless of their position, sexual orientation, family status, age, race, sex, disability, religion, or national origin. All employment practices are based on ability and performance.

All employees have the right to work in, and the Company is committed to, an environment free from harassment and discrimination, where privacy and dignity are respected and all are protected from offensive, obscene, or threatening behavior. The Company will not tolerate sexual advances, actions, comments, inappropriate physical contact or any other conduct that is intimidating or otherwise creates an offensive or hostile work environment.

Employees are responsible for adhering to all Company policies and procedures related to workplace safety and security. While on Company premises, employees must wear a Company-issued identification badge at all times.

The Company often needs to acquire and retain personal information on individual employees for effective operation of our Company. It is the policy of the Company to maintain the confidentiality of this information and to limit access to authorized persons who need the information for business or legal purposes.

All employees have a right to, and the Company is committed to, a safe and healthy work environment which is also free from illegal drugs, violence, threats of violence, and the influence of alcohol. The Company prohibits the illegal use, possession or distribution of drugs and prohibits the unauthorized use of alcoholic beverages in the workplace or while conducting Company business.


Questions & Answers

Q. If an employee is terminated or resigns from the Company and his or her potential employer calls for a reference, does our Company give information on job performance, attendance or compensation to the potential employer?
A. No. Regardless of whether an employee is terminated or resigns, Company policy does not allow for the disclosure of the contents of his or her personnel files to the prospective employer. The only information provided is verification that the person worked at the Company and dates of employment. Salary information will be released only with the employee’s written consent.

Q. One of my co-workers has a habit of telling questionable ethnic or "off-color" jokes. This offends me and others in my group. How can I get this to stop?
A. Company policy prohibits this type of behavior. You have the option of discussing your feelings with the person telling the joke. If you are uncomfortable doing so, you should consult with your Supervisor or the Human Resources Department. You may also call the Corporate Integrity HOTLINE.

Q. What qualifies as sexual harassment and what can I do if I believe that it is happening to me?
A. Sexual harassment is defined as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

(1) submission of such conduct is made a term or condition of an individual’s employment;

(2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for an employment decision affecting such individual; or

(3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

If you believe that you have been the subject of sexual harassment, you should notify your Supervisor or the Human Resources Department. You may also call the Corporate Integrity HOTLINE.

Remember, if you do not understand, or if you have any questions concerning, this Integrity Standard or any other part of the Code, contact your Supervisor, a higher level Supervisor, any of the Corporate Resources or call the Corporate Integrity HOTLINE
(1 800 838-2552).

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