Last updated: 2024-04-05
Beenario GmbH commits to the Responsible Business Alliance Code of Conduct, sections A to D, as follows:
- LABOR
Beenario GmbH commits to respect the human rights of workers, and to treat them with dignity. This applies to direct and indirect suppliers, as well as all workers including temporary, migrant, student, contract, direct employees, and any other type of worker.
The labor standards are as follows:
1) Prohibition of Forced Labor
Forced labor in any form, including but not limited to, bonded (including debt bondage) or indentured labor, involuntary or exploitative prison labor, slavery or trafficking of persons is not permitted. This includes transporting, harboring, recruiting, transferring, or receiving persons by means of threat, force, coercion, abduction or fraud for labor or services. There shall be no unreasonable restrictions on workers’ freedom of movement in the facility in addition to unreasonable restrictions on entering or exiting company- provided facilities including, if applicable, workers’ dormitories or living quarters. As part of the hiring process, all workers must be provided with a written employment agreement in their native language, or in a language the worker can understand, that contains a description of terms and conditions of employment. Foreign migrant workers must receive the employment agreement prior to the worker departing from his or her country of origin and there shall be no substitution or change(s) allowed in the employment agreement upon arrival in the receiving country unless these changes are made to meet local law and provide equal or better terms. All work shall be voluntary, and workers shall be free to leave work at any time or terminate their employment without penalty if reasonable notice is given, which shall be clearly stated in workers’ contracts. Beenario GmbH shall maintain documentation on all leaving workers. Employers, agents, and sub-agents’ may not hold or otherwise destroy, conceal, or confiscate identity or immigration documents, such as government-issued identification, passports, or work permits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, employers can only hold documentation if necessary to comply with the local law. In this case, at no time shall workers be denied access to their documents. Workers shall not be required to pay employers’ agents or sub-agents’ recruitment fees or other related fees for their employment. If any such fees are found to have been paid by workers, such fees shall be repaid to the worker.
2) Young Workers
Child labor shall not be used in any stage of manufacturing. The term “child” refers to any person under the age of 15, or under the age for completing compulsory education, or under the minimum age for employment in the country, whichever is greatest. Workers under the age of 18 (Young Workers) shall not perform work that is likely to jeopardize their health or safety, including night shifts and overtime. Beenario GmbH shall ensure proper management of student workers through proper maintenance of student records, rigorous due diligence of educational partners, and protection of students’ rights in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Beenario GmbH shall implement an appropriate mechanism to verify the age of workers. The use of legitimate workplace learning programs, which comply with all laws and regulations, is supported. Beenario GmbH shall provide appropriate support and training to all student workers. In the absence of local law, the wage rate for student workers, interns, and apprentices shall be at least the same wage rate as other entry-level workers performing equal or similar tasks. If child labor is identified, assistance/remediation shall be provided.
3) Working Hours
Working hours shall not exceed the maximum set by local law. Further, a workweek shall not be more than 60 hours per week, including overtime, except in emergency or unusual situations. All overtime shall be voluntary. Workers shall be allowed at least one day off every seven days.
4) Wages and Benefits
Compensation paid to workers shall comply with all applicable wage laws, including those relating to minimum wages, overtime hours and legally mandated benefits. All workers shall receive equal pay for equal work and qualification. Workers shall be compensated for overtime at pay rates greater than regular hourly rates. Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted. For each pay period, workers shall be provided with a timely and understandable wage statement that includes sufficient information to verify accurate compensation for work performed. All use of temporary, dispatch and outsourced labor shall be within the limits of the local law.
5) Non-Discrimination/Non-Harassment/Humane Treatment
Beenario GmbH commits to a workplace free of harassment and unlawful discrimination. There shall be no harsh or inhumane treatment including violence, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion, bullying, public shaming, or verbal abuse of workers; nor is there to be the threat of any such treatment. Companies shall not engage in discrimination or harassment based on race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, political affiliation, union membership, covered veteran status, protected genetic information or marital status in hiring and employment practices such as wages, promotions, rewards, and access to training. Disciplinary policies and procedures in support of these requirements shall be clearly defined and communicated to workers. Workers shall be provided with reasonable accommodation for religious practices and disability. In addition, workers or potential workers should not be subjected to medical tests, including pregnancy or virginity tests, or physical exams that could be used in a discriminatory way. This was drafted in consideration of ILO Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No.111).
6) Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
Open communication and direct engagement between workers and management are the most effective ways to resolve workplace and compensation issues. Workers and/or their representatives shall be able to openly communicate and share ideas and concerns with management regarding working conditions and management practices without fear of discrimination, reprisal, intimidation, or harassment. In alignment with these principles, Beenario GmbH shall respect the right of all workers to form and join trade unions of their own choosing, to bargain collectively, and to engage in peaceful assembly as well as respect the right of workers to refrain from such activities. Where the right of freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted by applicable laws and regulations, workers shall be allowed to elect and join alternate lawful forms of worker representations.
- HEALTH AND SAFETY
Beenario GmbH recognizes that in addition to minimizing the incidence of work-related injuries and illnesses, a safe and healthy working environment enhances the quality of products and services, consistency of production and worker retention and morale. Beenario GmbH also recognizes that ongoing worker input and education are essential to identifying and solving health and safety issues in the workplace.
The health and safety standards are as follows:
1) Occupational Health and Safety
Worker potential for exposure to health and safety hazards (chemical, electrical and other energy sources, fire, vehicles, and fall hazards, etc.) shall be identified and assessed, mitigated using the Hierarchy of Controls. Where hazards cannot be adequately controlled by these means, workers shall be provided with appropriate, well-maintained, personal protective equipment, and educational materials about risks to them associated with these hazards. Gender-responsive measures shall be taken, such as not having pregnant women and nursing mothers in working conditions, which could be hazardous to them or their child and to provide reasonable accommodations for nursing mothers.
2) Emergency Preparedness
Potential emergency situations and events shall be identified and assessed, and their impact minimized by implementing emergency plans and response procedures including emergency reporting, employee notification and evacuation procedures, worker training, and drills.
Emergency drills shall be executed at least annually or as required by local law, whichever is more stringent. Emergency plans shall also include appropriate fire detection and suppression equipment, clear and unobstructed egress, adequate exit facilities, contact information for emergency responders, and recovery plans. Such plans and procedures shall focus on minimizing harm to life, the environment, and property.
3) Occupational Injury and Illness
Procedures and systems shall be in place to prevent, manage, track and report occupational injuries and illnesses, including provisions to encourage worker reporting, classify and record injury and illness cases, provide necessary medical treatment, investigate cases and implement corrective actions to eliminate their causes, and facilitate the return of workers to work. Beenario GmbH allows workers to remove themselves from imminent harm, and not return until the situation is mitigated, without fear of retaliation.
4) Industrial Hygiene
Worker exposure to chemical, biological, and physical agents shall be identified, evaluated, and controlled according to the Hierarchy of Controls. When hazards cannot be adequately controlled, workers shall be provided with and use appropriate, well-maintained, personal protective equipment free of charge. Beenario GmbH shall provide workers with safe and healthy working environments, which shall be maintained through ongoing, systematic monitoring of workers’ health and working environments. Beenario GmbH shall provide occupational health monitoring to routinely evaluate if workers’ health is being harmed from occupational exposures. Protective occupational health programs shall be ongoing and include educational materials about the risks associated with exposure to workplace hazards.
5) Physically Demanding Work
Worker exposure to the hazards of physically demanding tasks, including manual material handling and heavy or repetitive lifting, prolonged standing, and highly repetitive or forceful assembly tasks shall be identified, evaluated, and controlled.
6) Machine Safeguarding
Production and other machinery shall be evaluated for safety hazards. Physical guards, interlocks, and barriers shall be provided and properly maintained where machinery presents an injury hazard to workers.
7) Sanitation, Food, and Housing
Workers shall be provided with ready access to clean toilet facilities, potable water and sanitary food preparation, storage, and eating facilities. Worker dormitories provided by the Beenario GmbH or a labor agent shall be maintained to be clean and safe, and provided with appropriate emergency egress, hot water for bathing and showering, adequate lighting, and adequate conditioned ventilation, individually secured accommodations for storing personal and valuable items, and reasonable personal space along with reasonable entry and exit privileges.
8) Health and Safety Communication
Beenario GmbH shall provide workers with appropriate workplace health and safety information and training in the language of the worker or in a language the worker can understand for all identified workplace hazards that workers are exposed to, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, chemical, fire, and physical hazards. Health and safety related information shall be clearly posted in the facility or placed in a location identifiable and accessible by workers. Health information and training shall include content on specific risks to relevant demographics, such as gender and age, if applicable. Training shall be provided to all workers prior to the beginning of work and regularly thereafter. Workers shall be encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns without retaliation.
- ENVIRONMENT
Across all business functions, Beenario GmbH recognizes that environmental responsibility is integral to producing world-class products. Beenario GmbH shall identify the environmental impacts and minimize adverse effects on the community, environment, and natural resources, while safeguarding the health and safety of the public.
The environmental standards are as follows:
1) Environmental Permits and Reporting
All required environmental permits (e.g. discharge monitoring), approvals, and registrations shall be obtained, maintained, and kept current and their operational and reporting requirements shall be followed.
2) Pollution Prevention and Resource Conservation
Emissions and discharges of pollutants and generation of waste shall be minimized or eliminated at the source or by practices such as adding pollution control equipment; modifying production, maintenance, and facility processes; or by other means. The use of natural resources, including water, fossil fuels, minerals, and virgin forest products, shall be conserved by practices such as modifying production, maintenance and facility processes, materials substitution, re-use, conservation, recycling, or other means.
3) Hazardous Substances
Chemicals, waste, and other materials posing a hazard to humans or the environment shall be identified, labeled, and managed to ensure their safe handling, movement, storage, use, recycling or reuse, and disposal. Hazardous waste data shall be tracked and documented.
4) Solid Waste
Beenario GmbH shall implement a systematic approach to identify, manage, reduce, and responsibly dispose of or recycle solid waste (non-hazardous). Waste data shall be tracked and documented.
5) Air Emissions
Air emissions of volatile organic chemicals, aerosols, corrosives, particulates, ozone depleting substances, and combustion byproducts generated from operations shall be characterized, routinely monitored, controlled, and treated as required prior to discharge. Ozone-depleting substances shall be effectively managed in accordance with the Montreal Protocol and applicable regulations. Beenario GmbH shall conduct routine monitoring of the performance of its air emission control systems.
6) Materials Restrictions
Beenario GmbH shall adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and customer requirements regarding the prohibition or restriction of specific substances in products and manufacturing, including labeling for recycling and disposal.
7) Water Management
Beenario GmbH shall implement a water management program that documents, characterizes, and monitors water sources, use and discharge; seeks opportunities to conserve water; and controls channels of contamination. All wastewater shall be characterized, monitored, controlled, and treated as required prior to discharge or disposal. Beenario GmbH shall conduct routine monitoring of the performance of its wastewater treatment and containment systems to ensure optimal performance and regulatory compliance.
8) Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Beenario GmbH shall establish and report against an absolute corporate-wide greenhouse gas reduction goal. Energy consumption and all Scopes 1, 2, and significant categories of Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions shall be tracked, documented, and publicly reported. Beenario GmbH shall look for methods to improve energy efficiency and to minimize their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- ETHICS
To meet social responsibilities and to achieve success in the marketplace, Beenario GmbH and their agents shall uphold the highest standards of ethics including the following:
1) Business Integrity
The highest standards of integrity shall be upheld in all business interactions. Beenario GmbH shall have a zero-tolerance policy to prohibit any and all forms of bribery, corruption, extortion and embezzlement.
2) No Improper Advantage
Bribes or other means of obtaining undue or improper advantage shall not be promised, offered, authorized, given, or accepted. This prohibition covers promising, offering, authorizing, giving or accepting anything of value, either directly or indirectly through a third party, in order to obtain or retain business, direct business to any person, or otherwise gain an improper advantage. Monitoring, record keeping, and enforcement procedures shall be implemented to ensure compliance with anticorruption laws.
3) Disclosure of Information
All business dealings shall be transparently performed and accurately reflected on the Beenario GmbH’s business books and records. Information regarding Beenario GmbH’s labor, health and safety, environmental practices, business activities, structure, financial situation, and performance shall be disclosed in accordance with applicable regulations and prevailing industry practices. Falsification of records or misrepresentation of conditions or practices in the supply chain are unacceptable.
4) Intellectual Property
Intellectual property rights shall be respected. Transfer of technology and know-how is to be done in a manner that protects intellectual property rights, and customer and supplier information shall be safeguarded.
5) Fair Business, Advertising and Competition
Standards of fair business, advertising, and competition shall be upheld.
6) Protection of Identity and Non-Retaliation
Programs that ensure the confidentiality, anonymity, and protection of supplier and employee whistleblowers[1] shall be maintained, unless prohibited by law. Beenario GmbH shall have a communicated process for their personnel to be able to raise any concerns without fear of retaliation.
[1] Whistleblower definition: Any person who makes a disclosure about improper conduct by an employee or officer of a company, or by a public official or official body.
7) Responsible Sourcing of Minerals
Beenario GmbH shall adopt a policy and exercise due diligence on the source and chain of custody of the tantalum, tin, tungsten, gold, and cobalt in the products they manufacture to reasonably assure that they are sourced in a way consistent with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas or an equivalent and recognized due diligence framework.
8) Privacy
Beenario GmbH shall commit to protecting the reasonable privacy expectations of personal information of everyone they do business with, including suppliers, customers, consumers, and employees. Beenario GmbH shall comply with privacy and information security laws and regulatory requirements when personal information is collected, stored, processed, transmitted, and shared.