Halliburton Company and Subsidary Companies
Code of Business Conduct
General Policy
Regarding Laws and Business Conduct
Equal
Employment Opportunity - United States Operations
Conflicts of interest
Internal
Accounting Controls, Procedures and Records
Sensitive Transactions
Commercial Bribery
International Business
Relationships
Use and
Public Disclosure of Inside Information
Information
of a Confidential or Proprietary Nature
Export
Administration and International Economic Sanctions
Boycotts Outside the
United States
Political Contributions
Antitrust Laws
Health, Safety And Environment
Defalcation
Misappropriation and Similar Irregularities (Fraud)
Sexual Harassment-
United States Operations
United States Federal
Government Contracting
General Policy
Regarding Laws and Business Conduct
PURPOSE:
The Code of Business Conduct of Halliburton Company contains the specific Corporate
Policies adopted by the Board of Directors that relate to the legal and ethical
standards of conduct of employees and agents of the Company. The Corporate Policies
listed in the index set forth in Corporate Policy 3-0000 constitute the Code
of Business Conduct and govern the conduct of business by the Company.
The purpose of this General Policy Regarding Laws and Business Conduct is to
provide a general statement regarding the Company's expectations as to the legal
and ethical nature of conduct of the Company's employees and agents while acting
on the Company's behalf and to provide for the administration of the Company's
Code of Business Conduct.
Moreover, this Corporate Policy is intended to enhance the qualifications of
the Code of Business Conduct as a program that, under the United States Sentencing
Guidelines, is reasonably designed, implemented and enforced so as to be generally
effective in preventing and detecting criminal conduct.
DEFINITIONS:
As used in the Code of Business Conduct:
"Company" means Halliburton Company, a Delaware corporation, its
divisions, subsidiaries, and successors.
"Executive Committee" means the Executive Committee of the Company.
"High Level Personnel" means individuals who have substantial control
over the Company or who have a substantial role in policy-making within the
Company, including directors, executive officers and individuals in charge of
a major business or functional unit of the Company, such as sales, administration
or finance.
"Laws" means laws and rules and regulations of governmental agencies
and authorities.
POLICY:
A. Standards of Conduct.
It is the Company's policy to observe and comply with all Laws applicable to
it or the conduct of its business wherever located. In some situations the applicable
Law of the United States may conflict with the applicable Law of another country.
In such cases the Company will endeavor to resolve such conflict following the
guidance of its Law Department. Where such a conflict cannot be resolved, the
applicable Law of the United States will be observed and complied with by the
Company.
The Code of Business Conduct applies to agents of the Company as well as its
employees. However, in the case of agents whose activities are wholly outside
the United States, Corporate Policy No. 3-0007 establishes the policies and
procedures to be observed with respect to such agents.
The Code of Business Conduct sets forth specific Corporate Policies governing
the conduct of the business of the Company. These policies were developed and
are intended to be applied in good faith with reasonable business judgment to
enable the Company to achieve its operating and financial goals within the framework
of the Law.
It is the personal responsibility of each employee and agent of the Company
to adhere to the standards and restrictions, whether imposed by Law or the Code
of Business Conduct, applicable to his or her assigned duties and responsibilities
and to conduct himself or herself accordingly. Such standards and restrictions
require each employee and agent to avoid any activities which would involve
the Company in any practice which is not in compliance with the Code of Business
Conduct. Any employee or agent who does not adhere to such standards and restrictions
is acting outside the scope of his or her employment or agency.
Beyond legal compliance, all Company employees and agents are expected to observe
high standards of business and personal ethics in the discharge of their assigned
duties and responsibilities. This requires the practice of honesty and integrity
in every aspect of dealing with other Company employees, the public, the business
community, stockholders, customers, suppliers and governmental and regulatory
authorities. It is the policy of the Company not to discriminate against employees,
stockholders, directors, officers, customers or suppliers on account of race,
color, age, sex, religion or national origin except as may be required by applicable
Law. All of such persons shall be treated with dignity and respect and they
shall not be unreasonably interfered with in the conduct of their duties and
responsibilities.
B. Administration
of Code of Business Conduct. The Code of Business Conduct of the Company
shall be administered as follows:
- Scope of Code of Business
Conduct.
The Executive Committee shall, periodically, in light of the experience
of the Company, review the Code of Business Conduct, and when necessary
or desirable, make recommendations to the Board of Directors (i) to
ensure its continued conformance to applicable Law, (ii) to ensure that
it meets or exceeds industry standards, and (iii) to ensure that any
weaknesses revealed through monitoring, auditing and reporting systems are
eliminated or corrected.
- Allocations of Responsibility.
The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the administration of
the Code of Business Conduct. The Executive Committee shall establish such
procedures as it shall deem necessary or desirable in order to discharge
this responsibility. Such procedures shall provide for obtaining advice
of legal counsel where appropriate. In discharging these responsibilities,
the Executive Committee may delegate authority to such committees, officers
and other employees and may engage such agents and advisors as it shall
deem necessary or desirable.
- Delegation
of Substantial Discretionary Authority.
No employee of the Company shall delegate substantial discretionary authority
to any individual who such employee knows, or through the exercise of due
diligence should know, has a propensity to engage in illegal activities.
- a. For this purpose, persons with "substantial discretionary authority"
include (i) High-level Personnel, (ii) individuals who exercise substantial
supervisory authority, such as a plant manager or a sales manager, and
(iii) any other individuals who, although not a part of the Company's
management, nevertheless exercise substantial discretion when acting within
the scope of their authority (for example, an individual with authority
to negotiate or set price levels or an individual authorized to negotiate
or approve significant contracts).
b. The Executive Committee, in administering the Code of Business Conduct,
shall consider, adopt and promulgate guidelines regarding procedures
to ascertain a "propensity to engage in illegal activities".
- Communication of Policies.
To ensure the continued dissemination and communication of the Code of
Business Conduct, the Executive Committee shall take, or cause to be taken,
reasonable steps to communicate effectively the standards and procedures
included in the Code of Business Conduct to employees and agents of the
Company.
- Monitoring and Auditing.
The Executive Committee shall take reasonable steps to monitor and audit
compliance with the Code of Business Conduct, including the establishment
of monitoring and auditing systems that are reasonably designed to detect
conduct in violation of the Code of Business Conduct by employees and agents
of the Company.
- (1) To the extent so directed by the Executive Committee, the information
developed by the Company's independent accountants in performing their
engagement by the Company and by its internal auditors in the performance
of their assigned responsibilities shall be made available to the Executive
Committee in its capacity as administrator of the Code of Business Conduct
as a means of monitoring and auditing compliance with the Code of Business
Conduct.
(2) To the extent so directed by the Executive Committee, the results
of the periodic health, safety and environmental audits and export administration
audits of the Company's facilities shall be made available to the Executive
Committee in its capacity as the administrator of the Code of Business
Conduct as a means to monitor and audit compliance with the Code of
Business Conduct.
Executive Committee - The General
Counsel shall report to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, at
least once each year, regarding the general effectiveness of the Code of
Business Conduct. The Chief Health, Safety and Environmental Officer shall
report to the Environment, Health and Safety Committee of the Board of Directors
at least once each year regarding the environmental, health and safety performance
of the Company as it relates to the Code of Business Conduct.
- Reporting System.
The Executive Committee shall establish a reporting system that will allow
violations of the Code of Business Conduct to be reported and acted upon
by officers or other employees of the Company with sufficient authority
to deal objectively with the reported matters. The existence and nature
of the reporting system shall be communicated to all employees and, to the
extent appropriate, to agents of the Company. It shall be a violation of
this Corporate Policy to intimidate or impose any form of retribution on
any employee or agent who utilizes such reporting system in good faith to
report suspected violations (except that appropriate action may be taken
against such employee or agent if such individual is one of the wrongdoers).
- Investigation of Violations.
If, through operation of the Company's compliance monitoring and auditing
systems or its violation reporting systems or otherwise, the Company receives
information regarding an alleged violation of the Code of Business Conduct,
the person or persons authorized by the Executive Committee to investigate
alleged violations of the Code of Business Conduct shall, as appropriate,
in accordance with procedures established by the Executive Committee:
- (1) evaluate such information as to gravity and credibility;
(2) initiate an informal inquiry or a formal investigation with respect
thereto;
(3) prepare a report of the results of such inquiry or investigation,
including recommendations as to the disposition of such matter;
(4) make the results of such inquiry or investigation available to
the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee for action (including
disciplinary action by the Executive Committee); and
(5) recommend changes in the Code of Business Conduct necessary or
desirable to prevent further similar violations.
The Company may disclose the results of investigations to law enforcement
agencies.
- Disciplinary Measures.
The Company shall consistently enforce its Code of Business Conduct through
appropriate means of discipline. Pursuant to procedures adopted by it, the
Executive Committee shall determine whether violations of the Code of Business
Conduct have occurred and, if so, shall determine the disciplinary measures
to be taken against any employee or agent of the Company who has so violated
the Code of Business Conduct.
The disciplinary measures, which may be invoked at the discretion of the
Executive Committee, include, but are not limited to, counseling, oral or
written reprimands, warnings, probation or suspension without pay, demotions,
reductions in salary, termination of employment and restitution.
Persons subject to disciplinary measures shall include, in addition to
the violator, others involved in the wrongdoing such as (i) persons who
fail to use reasonable care to detect a violation, (ii) persons who if requested
to divulge information withhold material information regarding a violation,
and (iii) supervisors who approve or condone the violations or attempt to
retaliate against employees or agents for reporting violations or violators.
- Documentation. Subject to the applicable document retention program, the
Company shall document its compliance efforts and results to evidence its
commitment to comply with the standards and procedures set forth above.
Equal
Employment Opportunity - United States Operations
PURPOSE:
This policy establishes and communicates the Company's policy regarding equal
employment opportunity for the Company's operations governed by United States
Law.
POLICY:
- The Company will, in all its operations and employment practices comply
with applicable United States and local Law governing equal employment opportunities
to assure that there is no unlawful discrimination against any employee or
applicant.
- With respect to operations governed by United States Law, this policy relates
to all phases of employment, including without limitation, recruitment, hiring,
placement, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, educational,
social and recreational programs and the use of Company facilities. It covers
all other personnel actions in all job categories and at all levels, including
employment of qualified handicapped individuals, disabled veterans and veterans
of the Vietnam era. It is intended to provide employees with a working environment
free of discrimination, harassment, intimidation or coercion relating directly
or indirectly to race, color, religion, sex, age or national origin.
- Periodic reviews of personnel practices and actions are to be conducted
by appropriate employees to ensure compliance with the Law in this vitally
important area of management responsibility.
- All members of management and employees shall actively support this Corporate
Policy. All actions and decisions taken by members of management and their
subordinates shall be consistent with this Corporate Policy and in furtherance
of it.
PROCEDURE:
An employee who believes she or he has been or is being subjected to discrimination
should bring this matter to the attention of his/her immediate supervisor, department
head, Director of Employee Relations, the Company's Vice President - Human Resources
or the General Counsel. An employee who believes discrimination has occurred
or is occurring should report such conduct to one of the above persons regardless
of the position of the offending person (e.g., manager, supervisor, fellow employee,
customer, etc.). If a complaint of discrimination is received by any manager
or supervisor, the manager or supervisor shall report the complaint immediately
to the Company's Vice President - Human Resources or such officer's designee.
Nothing in this policy requires any employee complaining of discrimination to
present the matter to the person who is the subject of the complaint.
All complaints of discrimination will be promptly investigated. The privacy
of the persons involved will be protected, except to the extent necessary to
conduct a proper investigation. If the investigation substantiates the complaint,
immediate corrective action designed to stop the discrimination and prevent
its reoccurrence will be taken.
An employee who believes he or she has been or is being subjected to discrimination,
or who believes he or she has observed discrimination, and who reports the matter
pursuant to this policy shall not be retaliated against or adversely treated
because of the making of the report.
Conflicts of interest
PURPOSE:
This policy establishes guidelines and procedures regarding timely and proper
disclosure of possible conflicts of interests which an employee may have in
connection with job duties and responsibilities in order that management may
review and approve each situation as necessary to protect the best interests
of the Company and its responsibilities as a public company.
POLICY:
- The Company prohibits conflicts of interest unless specifically approved
by the Executive Committee or its designee as provided below.
- The Company has always been concerned with outside business interests of
its employees that might possibly conflict with the interests of the Company.
An adequate definition of what constitutes a conflict of interest is most
difficult. The minimum standard is that required by law. However, there are
certain situations which the Company will always consider to be conflicts
of interest. These occur if the employee or any other person having a close
personal relationship with the employee:
- a. obtains a significant financial or other beneficial interest in one
of the Company's suppliers, customers or competitors without first notifying
the Company and obtaining written approval from the Executive Committee
or its designee;
b. engages in a significant personal business transaction involving
the Company for profit or gain, unless such transaction has first been
approved in writing by the Executive Committee or its designee;
c. accepts money, gifts of other than nominal value, excessive hospitality,
loans or other special treatment from any supplier, customer or competitor
of the Company (loans from lending institutions at prevailing interest
rates are excluded);
d. participates in any sale, loan or gift of Company property without
obtaining written approval from the Executive Committee or its designee;
or
e. learns of a business opportunity through association with the Company
and discloses it to a third party or invests in the opportunity without
first offering it to the Company.
"Person having a close personal relationship with the employee"
refers to the employee's spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers and
fathers-in-law, sons and daughters-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law,
any person living in the same home with the employee or any business associate
of the employee.
Outside directorships may create a conflict of interest situation. The
Company's policy concerning outside directorships is stated in Corporate
Policy No. 3-0500.
The use of Company property or obtaining of Company services for personal
benefit may create a conflict of interest situation. The Company's policy
on these matters is stated in Corporate Policy No. 3-0405.
- The Company shall have on file a certificate of compliance from each employee
who can direct or influence the use or disposition of any significant amount
of funds or other assets of the Company. The disclosure of a financial or
other beneficial interest does not mean that the Company will deem it significant
or substantial enough to be prohibited. Each case will be decided on an individual
basis.
- The Director - Internal Audit of the Company will be responsible for obtaining
annually a completed copy of a certificate of compliance from all employees
subject to this requirement. The Director - Internal Audit will also be responsible
for notifying the Executive Committee and the Audit Committee of the Board
of Directors that such certificates are on file as well as for notifying the
Committees when significant exceptions are reported.
PROCEDURE:
- A completed certificate of compliance will be obtained annually from all
employees subject to this requirement. In any instance where the number of
key employees makes this requirement burdensome, certificates may be obtained
from key employees during the months which include their employment anniversary
dates or on such other schedule as may be approved in writing by the Executive
Committee.
- The completed certificates will, subject to the Company's policy on document
retention, be retained on file in hard copy, electronic format, microfilm
or other media by the Director - Internal Audit and a written report setting
forth any exceptions included in such reports will be furnished to the Executive
Committee no later than January 15 of each year.
- Certificates of compliance will be completed by all employees upon becoming
subject to the standard stated in Policy paragraph 2 above. Supplemental and
annual reports for such employees will be obtained as set forth in Procedure
paragraph 1 above.
- The certificate of compliance selection and reporting process will be reviewed
annually by the Director - Internal Audit for adequacy and compliance with
this policy.
- Results of the reporting process and the nature of significant exceptions,
if any, will be communicated annually to the Executive Committee and to the
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Internal
Accounting Controls, Procedures and Records
PURPOSE:
This policy establishes guidelines and procedures related to keeping books
and records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the Company's
transactions and dispositions of assets. The Company shall maintain a system
of internal accounting controls to ensure reliability and adequacy of its books
and records and proper recording of all transactions including dispositions
of assets.
POLICY:
- Authorization. The only transactions to be entered into by the Company are
those which are executed in accordance with management's specific authorization
or established, formalized policies and procedures.
- Approval. No transaction will be recorded in the accounts of the Company
unless it is within the scope of written policies and procedures or is specifically
and formally approved by an appropriate and designated employee. Such approval
requires the determination that the transaction (i) has been authorized in
accordance with this Corporate Policy and (ii) is supported by documentary
evidence to verify the validity of the transaction.
- Accounting. All transactions entered into by the Company will be recorded
in the accounts of the Company in accordance with normal, standard procedures.
Each entry will be coded into an account which accurately and fairly reflects
the true nature of the transaction.
- Reporting. All transactions that have been accounted for in accordance with
this Corporate Policy will be accumulated and processed in a manner which
will permit preparation of financial statements, reports and data for purposes
of internal, public and regulatory reporting. Such statements, reports and
data must be in a form sufficient to reflect accurately and fairly the results
of transactions entered into by the Company and to permit proper accountability
for assets.
- Responsibility. The implementation and maintenance of internal accounting
controls, procedures and records that are adequate in all respects to satisfy
the requirements of this Corporate Policy will be the primary responsibility
of the Chief Financial Officer.
- Auditing. Compliance with the provisions and requirements of this Corporate
Policy will be tested and evaluated by the Company's Director-Internal Audit
in connection with the on-going internal audit program. All control failures
regarding this Corporate Policy will be reported to management so that deficiencies
can be corrected and assurance of compliance with the terms of this Corporate
Policy maintained.
PROCEDURE:
- 1. The Company will continuously evaluate its internal accounting controls,
procedures and records to ensure compliance with the requirements of this
Corporate Policy. Such evaluation will be documented in a form suitable
for inspection by outside parties, such as regulatory authorities, if
the need arises.
- The Company will take action to remedy any deficiency in internal accounting
controls, procedures and records to ensure continuing compliance with
the requirements of this Corporate Policy.
- The internal audit staff, in coordination with the Company's Director
- Internal Audit, will ascertain that its audit scope, procedures and
programs are adequate (i) for the purpose of testing and evaluating internal
accounting controls, procedures and records and (ii) for complete reporting
of deficiencies in internal accounting controls, procedures and records.
- On or before January 15 of each year, the Chief Financial Officer and
the Company's Director - Internal Audit will prepare a written summary
applicable to the preceding fiscal year which sets forth financial management's
evaluation of the Company's internal accounting controls, procedures and
records. Such a summary will consider financial management's overall evaluation
and results of audits performed during the year, internal and external.
For deficiencies noted in the evaluation, remedial action in progress
or contemplated will be set forth in the summary. The summary will be
addressed to the Executive Committee.
- The Company's Director - Internal Audit will, on an annual basis, report
to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on the adequacy of internal
accounting controls, procedures and records.
Sensitive Transactions
PURPOSE:
This policy advises employees and agents of the Company's position regarding
sensitive transactions and requires that transactions are executed, and access
to assets is permitted, only in accordance with management's authorization.
POLICY:
- The Company will conduct its business in compliance with applicable Law
(See Corporate Policy 3-0001 with respect to conflicts between United States
Law and the Law of another country) and requires all Company personnel to
avoid any activities which could involve the Company in any unlawful practice.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company's personnel
are strictly prohibited from paying any bribe, kickback or other similar unlawful
payment to, or otherwise entering into a sensitive transaction with, any public
official, political party or official, candidate for public office or other
individual, in any country, to secure any contract, concession or other favorable
treatment for the Company. Company personnel who make such payments are subject
to appropriate action by the Company, as well as the legal consequences of
applicable Law.
- The term "sensitive transactions" is commonly used to describe
a broad range of corporate dealings that are generally considered to be either
illegal, unethical, immoral or to reflect adversely on the integrity of management.
The transactions are usually in the nature of kickbacks, bribes or payoffs
made in order to influence favorably some decision affecting a company's business
or for the personal gain of an individual. Any extraordinary payment made
from Company funds, including extravagant entertainment or gifts of significant
value, for the express purpose of obtaining or retaining business or unduly
influencing some matter in favor of the Company could be considered a "sensitive
payment". These payments may be considered to be bribes and may result
in violation of applicable Law.
- Sensitive transactions may result in violation of United States federal
Laws such as domestic anti-bribery Laws, mail fraud and wire fraud statutes,
anti-racketeering statutes and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA"),
as well as state Laws or Laws of other countries in which a subsidiary company
has operations. If violations occur, the Company and its officers and directors
as well as employees directly involved may be subject to fines, imprisonment
and civil litigation.
- The Company is publicly owned and its common stock is registered and traded
in accordance with United States federal securities Laws and with rules and
regulations promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC"). Therefore, the Company is subject to strict disclosure
requirements and must disclose to the public all material information relating
to its business affairs and financial condition and conduct which is deemed
to reflect on the integrity of its management.
- Sensitive payments may violate the FCPA which prohibits a company from corruptly
offering or giving anything of value to: a foreign official, including any
person acting in an official capacity for a foreign government; a foreign
political party official or political party; or a candidate for foreign political
office, in any such case, for the purpose of influencing any act or decision
of these officials in their official capacity or in violation of their lawful
duties in order to help a company obtain or retain business or direct business
to any person. The FCPA also prohibits the offering or paying of anything
of value to any person if it is known that all or part of the payment will
be used for the above prohibited actions. For purposes of compliance with
this policy, employees of government-owned corporations are to be considered
"foreign officials" and, subject to Policy paragraph 6 any
payment to influence a matter in favor of the Company shall be prohibited.
- The Company may be required to make facilitating or expediting payments
to an official or employee of a government outside the United States, the
purpose of which is to expedite or to secure the performance of routine governmental
action by such government official or employee. Such facilitating payments
may not be illegal under the FCPA. Nevertheless, it may be difficult to distinguish
a legal facilitating payment from an illegal bribe, kickback or payoff. Accordingly,
facilitating payments must be strictly controlled and every effort must be
made to eliminate or minimize such payments. Facilitating payments, if required,
will be made only in accordance with the advance guidance of the Law Department.
Any facilitating payments must be recorded as such in the accounting records
of the Company.
Commercial Bribery
PURPOSE:
This policy prohibits the payment or transfer of Company funds or assets to
suppliers or customers in the form of bribes, kickbacks or other payoffs and
prohibits Company employees and agents from participating in such schemes.
POLICY:
- The Company prohibits bribes, kickbacks and other payoffs and benefits to
suppliers or customers.
- The Company also prohibits employees and agents from receiving, directly
or indirectly from a third party, anything of a significant value (other than
salary, wages or other ordinary compensation paid by the Company) in connection
with a transaction entered into by the Company.
- Bribes, kickbacks and payoffs include, but are not limited to:
- a. Gifts of other than nominal value.
b. Cash payments by employees or third persons, such as agents, suppliers,
customers or consultants, who are reimbursed by the Company.
c. The uncompensated use of Company services, facilities or property
except as may be authorized by the Company.
d. Loans, loan guarantees or other extensions of credit (except from
lending institutions at prevailing rates).
- This policy does not prohibit expenditures of nominal amounts for meals
and entertainment of suppliers and customers which are an ordinary and customary
business expense, if they are otherwise lawful. These expenditures should
be included on expense reports and approved under standard Company procedures.
International Business Relationships
PURPOSE:
This policy provides guidelines for business relationships entered into outside
the United States ("International Business Relationships").
POLICY:
- The selection of persons with whom the Company may join in an International
Business Relationship shall be subject to careful consideration by appropriate
management of the Company after an investigation, reasonable under the circumstances,
with respect to such persons and the proposed arrangements with such persons.
- The terms and provisions of all proposed agreements with respect to International
Business Relationships, including all proposed material amendments thereto,
shall be subject to careful review by the General Counsel, the Chief Financial
Officer and the head of the business unit or their designees prior to execution
and delivery of such agreements or material amendments. All such agreements
shall require the other party or parties to agree to comply with the Code
of Business Conduct for International Business Relationships as set forth
in Annex A to this Corporate Policy. It is the responsibility of management
of the Company, working with the Law Department, to discuss the Code of Business
Conduct for International Business Relationships with such other parties to
insure that they understand such Code's requirements and to provide in such
agreements for compliance with the United States Laws described in Procedures
paragraphs 4., 5., and 6.
- The Company may find it necessary or desirable to enter into International
Business Relationships to assist the Company to obtain business, sales, personnel
visas, import licenses, facilities and other matters routinely necessary for
effective operations.
- International Business Relationships include the following:
- (i) the employment of an agent, consultant, sponsor or any other third
party (individual, partnership, corporation or unincorporated entity)
to assist the Company in obtaining work or projects, personnel visas,
import licenses, facilities or other matters routinely necessary for effective
operation within a country or region;
(ii) entering into a joint venture, consortium or shareholder agreement,
or any other agreement or arrangement pursuant to which a third party
obtains an equity interest in the business of an entity which the Company
also owns an interest in or a share of the profits from any work, project
or projects performed by the Company;
(iii) entering into a distribution, marketing, sales representation
or licensing agreement pursuant to which any third party or parties
distributes, markets, sells or licenses others or obtains a license
relating to the services, products or technology of the Company; or
(iv) entering into a contract or subcontract (including a purchase
order) pursuant to which a third party or third parties will perform
a majority of the work or services to be provided under the Company's
contract.
International Business Relationships do not include entering into a subcontract
or purchase order for goods or routine services in the regular course of
business as may be necessary for the performance of work.
- While International Business Relationships are ordinarily customary means
of conducting operations in a particular country, such arrangements, if not
adequately subjected to a corporation's system of internal controls, may be
used to disburse a corporation's assets for purposes not authorized by management.
- Moreover, the Company may be held accountable for actions taken by agents
and others on its behalf.
- In carrying out the policies set forth in Policy paragraphs 1. and 2., the
Company shall give consideration to such matters as the reputation of the
proposed parties to an International Business Relationship, their familial
or other connections with the local government, the necessity of the services
to be rendered by such persons, the reasonableness of the their fees or other
compensation in light of those services and the fees paid to other persons
in the area for similar services, any local legal requirements to utilize
an agent for such services, the employment of such persons by other corporations
operating in the area, the employment of such persons by affiliates of the
Company, the location at which, and the currency in which, fees or other compensation
is to be paid to such persons, any local legal requirements, including taxes
and foreign currency exchange controls, regarding the payment of fees or other
compensation to such persons, and the business and cultural environment in
which such persons will render such services.
PROCEDURES:
- Once the Company decides to pursue an International Business Relationship,
and prior to entering into any significant negotiations, a memorandum signed
by the cognizant business, finance and administration managers shall be submitted
to the General Counsel or his designee. A copy of the memorandum shall also
be provided the Chief Financial Officer.
- The memorandum shall describe the parties involved, the recommended relationship,
the geographic location or limits, and such other factors deemed relevant,
including any pertinent information relating to the factors described in Policy
paragraph 7. Pertinent information should be obtained from the Law, Insurance,
Tax, Human Resources, Accounting and Treasury Departments as appropriate.
- The General Counsel or his designee will determine if any conflicting agreement
or arrangement exists, and forward the memorandum with appropriate notations
to the head of the business unit for review and decision.
- If approval is granted, the business manager may proceed with negotiations,
obtaining necessary input from the Law, Insurance, Tax, Human Resources, Accounting
and Treasury departments as appropriate.
- If negotiations are brought to a successful conclusion, the definitive agreement
shall either be prepared by or approved by the Law Department. In preparing
or reviewing the definitive agreement emphasis will be placed upon compliance
with applicable Laws, the Code of Business Conduct for International Business
Relationships, and the Code of Business Conduct.
- The requirement of this Corporate Policy that third parties agree to comply
with the Code of Business Conduct for International Business Relationships
may be waived where such waiver is approved by the head of the business unit
and the General Counsel, or his designee, because in their judgment such compliance
is not required to protect the interests of the Company or ensure that the
activities of the International Business Relationship will be in compliance
with the requirements of such Code. In making such judgment the character,
reputation, size, location, business conduct and other relevant factors with
respect to such third parties shall be taken into consideration.
- The General Counsel shall provide written notice to the Company's Chief
Financial Officer of all waivers issued pursuant to Procedure paragraph 6.
above.
Use and Public
Disclosure of Inside Information
PURPOSE:
This policy establishes consistent guidelines for contacts with investors as
well as for compliance with United States federal statutes and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE") regarding the use and public disclosure of inside
information.
DISCUSSION:
The SEC, United States Law, the courts and the NYSE have developed Laws, rules
and regulations regarding the use and public disclosure of corporate inside
information. The purpose of such regulations is to protect the interests of
shareholders by providing them with prompt and complete information about significant
corporate developments which might affect the value of their investments and
to assure that insiders do not profit from information not available to the
investing public.
These laws, rules and regulations require the Company and its directors and
employees and agents to ensure that information about the Company is not used
unlawfully in connection with the purchase and sale of securities. Directors,
employees and agents should know that, in most cases, violation of federal securities
Laws may also be a violation of state securities Laws and additional penalties
may accrue under the Laws of other jurisdictions.
All directors, employees and agents should pay particularly close attention
to the applicable Laws against trading while in the possession of inside information.
The federal securities Laws are based on the belief that all persons trading
in a company's securities should have equal access to all "material"
information about that company. For example, if a person possesses material
nonpublic financial information regarding a company or its securities, that
person is prohibited from buying or selling stock in the company until the information
has been disclosed and disseminated to the public. This is because the person
knows information that will probably cause the stock price to change, and it
would be unfair for the person to have an advantage over the rest of the investing
public.
In general, it is a violation of United States federal securities Laws for
any person to buy or sell securities if he or she is in possession of material
inside information relating to those securities. Information is "material"
if it could affect a person's decision whether to buy, sell or hold securities.
Information is "inside information" if it has not been publicly disclosed.
Furthermore, it is illegal for any person in possession of material inside information
to provide other people with such information or to recommend that they buy
or sell securities. (This is called "tipping.") In such case, both
the person who provides and the person who receives the information may be held
liable.
A violation of the United States federal insider trading Laws can expose a
person to criminal fines of up to three times the profits earned (or losses
avoided) and imprisonment for up to ten years, in addition to civil penalties
of up to three times the profits earned (or losses avoided), and injunctive
actions. The securities Laws also subject controlling persons to civil penalties
for illegal insider trading by employees. Controlling persons include the Company
and may also include directors, officers and supervisory personnel. These persons
may be subject to fines up to the greater of $1,000,000 or three times the profits
earned (or losses avoided) by the inside trader.
Inside information (including information about companies other than the Company
obtained as a result of working for the Company) does not belong to the individual
directors, employees or agents who may handle it or otherwise become knowledgeable
about it, but instead is an asset of the Company. A person who uses such information
for personal benefit or discloses it to others outside the Company violates
the Company's interests and commits a fraud against members of the investing
public and against the Company.
Insider trading prohibitions also apply to trading in options, such as "put"
and "call" options. Options trading is highly speculative and very
risky. People who buy options are betting that the stock price will move rapidly.
Selling a security "short" is also a highly speculative transaction
wherein the trader sells stock that he does not yet own betting that the stock
price will go down in the immediate future so that the trader may purchase the
stock at the lower price and deliver such stock to the buyers of the stock he
previously sold. For those reasons, when a person trades in options in his employer's
securities or sells his employer's securities "short," regulators
become suspicious that the person was trading on the basis of inside information,
particularly where the trading occurs prior to an announcement or major event.
In such cases it is difficult for an employee to prove that he or she did not
know about the announcement or event.
If information of a material nature regarding corporate activities, developments
or discussions becomes or threatens to become known to outsiders, the corporation
is required to make prompt and thorough disclosure of such information to the
public. (See paragraph 1 under "POLICY" for comments on what is material.)
The NYSE has issued guidelines stating that, "where it is possible to confine
formal or informal discussions to a small group of the top management of the
company or companies involved, and their individual confidential advisors and
where adequate security can be maintained, premature public announcement may
properly be avoided." Corporate matters subject to such guidelines have
been declared to include negotiations leading to acquisitions and mergers, stock
splits, the making of arrangements preparatory to an exchange or tender offer,
changes in dividend rates or earnings, calls for redemption, new contracts,
products or discoveries and other material developments.
POLICY:
- This Policy applies to all directors, employees and agents of the Company
without regard to nationality or country of residence. All directors, employees
and agents of the Company must observe the prohibition on trading on material
inside information.
- General Disclosure Policy. The Company will make prompt and complete
disclosure of material information to the public when and as required by Law
and/or the rules of the SEC or the NYSE. Determinations regarding "materiality"
involve subjective judgments; therefore, questions of materiality will be
determined by the General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer.
- Trading While in Possession of Nonpublic Information.
- Nondisclosure. Material inside information must not be disclosed
to anyone other than persons within the Company whose positions require
them to know the information until it has been publicly released by the
Company.
Trading in Company Securities. No director, employee or agent
shall place a purchase or sale order, or recommend that another person
place a purchase or sale order, in the Company's securities when he
or she has knowledge of material information concerning the Company
that has not been disclosed to the public. Any director, employee or
agent who possesses material inside information shall wait until the
third business day after the information has been publicly released
before trading or recommending that others trade.
Speculation. The Company discourages directors, employees and
agents from speculating in Company securities. The Company does encourage
its directors and employees to invest in Company securities, but investing
means buying to share in the growth of the Company; it does not mean
short term speculation based on fluctuations in the market.
Trading in Other Securities. No director, employee or agent
shall place a purchase or sale order, or recommend that another person
place a purchase or sale order, in the securities of another company
(or related derivative securities, such as put or call options) if the
director, employee or agent learns in the course of his or her position
or employment confidential information about the other company that
is likely to affect the value of those securities. For example, it would
be a violation of this Policy and Law if an employee learned through
Company sources that the Company intended to purchase assets from another
company, and then bought or sold stock in that other company because
of the likely increase or decrease in the value of its securities.
Because of their access to confidential information on a regular basis,
Company policy subjects two groups of directors and employees to additional
restrictions on trading in Company securities. The first group (the "Window
Group") must trade only during a "window period." The second
group (the "Restricted Group") may trade only during a "permitted
period." The restrictions for the Window Group and the Restricted Group
are discussed below. In addition, certain employees with inside knowledge
of material information may be subject to additional restrictions on trading
from time to time.
Restrictions on the Window Group. The Window Group consists of all
directors and certain officers of the Company and their secretaries, and
certain other employees designated by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer or General Counsel. The Window Group is subject to the
following restrictions on trading in Company securities:
- subject to prior clearance and review of the General Counsel or his
designees trading is permitted from the beginning of the third business
day after an earnings release for the preceding fiscal period until the
end of the second month of the fiscal quarter in which the release was
made (the "Window"), subject to the restrictions below;
- all trades, including transfers, gifts and "cashless stock exercises",
must be within the Window and are subject to prior review and clearance
by the General Counsel or his designees;
- there shall be no trading outside the Window except for reasons of exceptional
personal hardship and subject to prior review by the above-named officers;
and
- individuals in the Window Group are also subject to the general restrictions
on trading applicable to all directors and employees set forth above in
this Policy paragraph 2.
Restrictions on the Restricted Group. The Restricted Group consists
of all persons who are designated from time to time by the Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel. The Restricted Group
is subject to the following restrictions on trading in Company securities:
trading is permitted from the beginning of the third business day after
an earnings release for the preceding fiscal period until the end of the
third month of the fiscal quarter in which the release was made (the "Permitted
Period") subject to the restrictions below;
- members of the group are encouraged to trade only during the Window
described in the preceding section;
- there is no general prior review;
- there shall be no trading outside of the Permitted Period except for
reasons of exceptional personal hardship and subject to prior review by
the General Counsel; and
- individuals in the Restricted Group are also subject to the general
restrictions on trading applicable to all employees set forth above in
this Policy paragraph 2.
- Equal Access. No preferential treatment will be given to any shareholder,
potential investor or security analyst; therefore, the release to any such
person of any material financial or operating data relating to the Company
must be available to all such persons.
- Forecasts. If appropriate "safe harbor" disclosures are made in
advance, revenue and profit trends may be forecasted in general terms. It
is the Company's policy, however, not to make any specific public projections
of future operating results unless such forecast is specifically approved
by the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or General
Counsel.
- Authority to Release. No financial data regarding the Company will be released
to the public except as authorized, specifically or generally, by the Chief
Financial Officer.
- Analysts. Due to the sensitive nature of investor relations and federal
regulations relating thereto, all interviews with shareholders, potential
investors and security analysts must be coordinated through the Vice President
- Investor Relations.
- Transfers to Company. As used in this policy, the term "trading"
and variations thereof do not include sales or other transfers of stock to
the Company.
PROCEDURE:
- When leaks of material information are suspected, rumored or discovered,
such information must be reported immediately to the Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Financial Officer or the General Counsel.
- All announcements and news releases subject to statutes and regulations
herein discussed must be coordinated between the Chief Financial Officer,
General Counsel and Vice President - Investor Relations.
- If a director, employee or agent desiring to purchase or sell any Company
securities is uncertain as to his or her responsibilities hereunder, such
person should contact the Law Department Public Company Law Practice Group
for counsel in this regard.
Information
of a Confidential or Proprietary Nature
PURPOSE:
This policy prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of confidential or proprietary
information about the Company or its customers.
POLICY:
- No director, employee or agent entrusted with or otherwise knowledgeable
about information of a confidential or proprietary nature shall disclose that
information outside the Company, either during or after employment or other
service to the Company, without written Company authorization to do so. Such
disclosure could be harmful to the Company or helpful to a competitor.
- The Company also works with joint venture partners', suppliers' and customers'
proprietary data. The protection of such data is of the highest importance
and must be discharged with the greatest care for the Company to merit the
continued confidence of such persons. No director, employee or agent shall
disclose confidential or proprietary information owned by someone other than
the Company to nondirectors or nonemployees without Company authorization,
nor shall any such person disclose the information to others unless a need-to-know
basis is established.
- In carrying out the Company's business, directors, employees and agents
often learn confidential or proprietary information about the Company, its
joint venture partners, suppliers and customers.
- Certain employees are required to sign at time of employment a proprietary
information agreement that restricts disclosure of proprietary, trade secret
and certain other information about the Company, its joint venture partners,
suppliers and customers. This Policy applies to all directors, employees and
agents without regard to such agreements.
Export
Administration and International Economic Sanctions
PURPOSE:
This policy provides guidelines for compliance with the requirements of United
States export administration and international economic sanctions Laws and regulations,
the requirements of export licenses issued by the United States Department of
Commerce, the United States Department of State, the United States Department
of the Treasury and other agencies, that require the Company to have an effective
and comprehensive internal control program to monitor compliance with the applicable
regulations.
POLICY:
- The Company will comply with the United States Export Administration Act
("EAA") and the Export Administration Regulations promulgated thereunder
("EAR"); the Arms Export Control Act ("AECA") and the
International Traffic in Arms Regulations promulgated thereunder (the "ITARS");
regulations to implement international economic sanctions programs involving
particular countries, including regulations promulgated by the Office of Foreign
Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury; any subsequent Laws and
regulations of similar effect to the foregoing; any other export Laws and
regulations as from time to time may be in force; and the terms and conditions
of any license issued pursuant thereto. No business will be transacted nor
item exported in contravention of the foregoing.
- Each employee and agent of the Company shall comply with the EAA and the
EAR, the AECA and ITARs, international economic sanctions and all other export
administration Laws and regulations, and all applicable rules, systems and
procedures issued and established to comply with this policy. There shall
be no exception to this policy, nor shall it be compromised or qualified by
anyone acting for or on behalf of the Company.
PROCEDURE:
- The Executive Committee shall establish or cause to be established a comprehensive
internal control program ("Program") to ensure compliance with the
Laws and regulations described above and licenses issued thereunder, and shall
appoint a manager responsible for export control matters. Such manager shall
report directly to the General Counsel who shall be responsible for operating
such Program.
- The export control manager shall operate the Program so that it meets the
applicable compliance requirements of applicable Law. The export control manager
shall monitor compliance with the Program and shall report any failures to
the General Counsel or his designee. The Program shall include rules, systems,
and procedures that will ensure compliance with the applicable Laws and regulations
and the terms and conditions of all licenses issued to the Company thereunder.
- The Company shall maintain a continuing program to keep its employees and
agents advised of the applicable provisions of the export control and international
economic sanctions Laws and regulations and the requirements of the Program.
Any employee or agent having a question on matters having possible implications
under such Laws and regulations shall refer the question to the export control
manager or the General Counsel.
Boycotts Outside the United
States
PURPOSE:
This policy provides guidelines for compliance with applicable United States
federal Laws regarding participation or cooperation in boycotts outside the
United States. Certain United States federal Laws and regulations, including
the Export Administration Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the
regulations thereunder require the Company not to participate in certain activities
(even though required by the Laws of another country in which the Company operates
or to which it sells goods or services) which have the effect of boycotting
or furthering another country's boycott of United States businesses and countries
friendly to the United States. In addition, these Laws and regulations require
that the Company not furnish certain information as to the identity or nationality
of its directors, employees, officers, shareholders, subcontractors and suppliers
or as to the presence or absence of Company operations or business dealings
in or with countries subject to a boycott where such information is requested
in furtherance of the boycott. Finally, these Laws require the Company to report
the receipt of boycott related requests whether or not the Company complies
with the requests.
POLICY:
- The Company will sell its products and services only where permitted under
the applicable Laws of the countries in which the Company operates.
- The Company will, in the conduct of its business, comply with the applicable
Laws of the United States regarding boycotts.
PROCEDURE:
- The Company shall maintain a continuing program to keep its employees and
agents advised of the applicable provisions of the Laws and regulations dealing
with participation in boycotts and of the provisions of this policy.
- Any action which may require a report to a governmental agency in compliance
with a boycott request, even though such action is not prohibited by Law or
applicable regulations and does not invoke any tax sanctions, must be cleared
in advance with the Law Department.
- Neither the Company nor any of its employees or agents shall take any action
which will violate the Laws or regulations dealing with participation in boycotts.
Political Contributions
PURPOSE:
The Company encourages participation in the political process by its employees.
The United States federal government, some states and some other countries have,
however, enacted Laws regulating campaign contributions in order to limit the
political influence of certain types of contributors, such as corporations.
This policy sets forth certain rules regarding Company and employee contributions
to political candidates and participation in political campaigns.
POLICY:
- The Company will comply with applicable Laws regulating political influence
and campaign contributions.
- The Company believes strongly in the democratic political process and that
its directors, officers, employees and agents should take an active interest
in fostering principles of good government in the nations, states and communities
in which they live. No employee or agent shall apply any pressure, direct
or implied, on any other employee that infringes upon an individual's right
to decide whether, to whom and in what amount a personal political contribution
is to be made.
- Employees and agents who represent the Company in political and governmental
matters must comply with all Laws that regulate corporate participation in
public affairs. Under various statutes, certain conduct, which is permitted
and encouraged for individuals, is prohibited on the part of corporations.
It is the Company's policy to comply fully with these prohibitions.
- The Company is legally prohibited from contributing directly or indirectly
in support of political candidates for elective federal office in the United
States and is similarly prohibited from making such contributions in certain
states and other countries. Indirect expenditures on behalf of a candidate,
such as travel on Company aircraft, may be considered as contributions in
this regard.
- No political contribution of Company funds, property or services can be
made by the Company, or in the name of the Company, except in accordance with
a plan approved by the Chief Executive Officer. Such approval is subject to
assurance by the Law Department that such contribution is legal and proper
under applicable Laws and regulations.
- When permitted by Law and authorized by the Chief Executive Officer, Company
funds and facilities may be used to provide the needed administrative support
for the operation of political action committees or programs, the purposes
of which include the disbursement of financial contributions made by certain
employees, stockholders and/or others to political parties or candidates.
No Company funds, facilities or other property will be used for other than
administrative support of such a committee.
- When permitted by Law, and authorized by appropriate management, expenditures
of Company funds may be made to inform or influence the voting public on an
issue of importance to the business of the Company and its stockholders.
PROCEDURE:
If an employee is requested to make a political contribution or to provide
assistance on behalf of the Company, whether personal or corporate, and such
employee has any questions regarding this Policy or applicable Law, the employee
should contact an appropriate member of management who will, if deemed necessary,
consult with the Law Department.
Antitrust Laws
PURPOSE:
This policy provides guidelines for compliance with all applicable antitrust
Laws.
POLICY:
- The Company will comply in all respects with applicable antitrust Laws.
- No director, officer, employee or agent of the Company shall enter into
any understanding, agreement, plan or scheme, express or implied, formal or
informal, with any competitor in regard to prices, terms or conditions of
sale or service, production, distribution, territories or customers; nor exchange
or discuss with a competitor prices, terms or conditions of sale or service,
or any other competitive information; nor engage in any other conduct which
violates any applicable antitrust Law. Normal subcontracting arrangements
or joint proposals with competitors which are not in violation of applicable
antitrust laws and which have been approved by the Law Department are not
prohibited by this policy. Any discussion with competitors in connection with
a project in which the competitor is an alliance partner, joint venturer or
subcontractor must be precleared and coordinated with the Law Department.
- Each employee and agent responsible for the conduct or practices of the
Company which may involve the application of the antitrust Laws should consult
with and be guided by the advice of the Law Department. Any questions on matters
having possible antitrust implications will be referred to the Law Department
prior to taking any action with respect to such matters.
- There shall be no exception to this policy, nor shall it be compromised
or qualified by anyone acting for or on behalf of the Company.
PROCEDURE:
The Executive Committee shall establish internal procedures and controls as
appropriate to implement the provisions of this policy, including without limitation
the preparation and appropriate distribution of an antitrust compliance handbook
designed to aid the Company's employees and agents in fulfilling their responsibilities
in antitrust matters.
Health, Safety And Environment
PURPOSE:
This policy establishes and communicates the Company's policy concerning the
protection of the health and safety of the Company's employees and other persons
affected by the Company's business activities and protection of the environment
with respect to the Company's business activities and operations.
POLICY:
- The Company will comply with all applicable Laws and relevant industry standards
of practice concerning protection of health and safety of its employees in
the work place and other persons effected by its business activities and the
protection of the environment. Protection of health, safety, and the environment
is a primary goal of the Company and the management of the Company shall take
such actions as are reasonable and necessary to achieve such goal and carry
out this policy.
- All employees of the Company will conduct their duties and responsibilities
in a manner which is compatible with achieving these goals and carrying out
this policy.
- The Company will work with its employees, clients, contractors, suppliers,
partners and customers and with the communities in which it operates in order
to achieve these goals and carry out these policies.
PROCEDURE:
- This Company Policy shall be implemented by the Company under the oversight
of the Health, Safety and Environment Committee of the Board of Directors
("HSE Committee"). The HSE Committee may establish such procedures
and guiding principles as it deems necessary to carry out this policy.
- The Company shall establish and maintain self-assessment and audit programs
sufficient to provide management of the Company and the HSE Committee with
reports and other information concerning the Company's compliance with this
policy.
- The Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall designate a senior officer
of the Company as its Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer ("Chief
HSE Officer").
- The Chief HSE Officer shall oversee the administration of this Corporate
Policy and shall make such recommendations to the HSE Committee as he/she
shall deem appropriate to carry out such policy and achieve its goals. The
Chief HSE Officer shall report to the HSE Committee at least once each year
concerning the Company's compliance with this Corporate Policy and the activities
administered by the Chief HSE Officer.
- The full text of the Company's Guiding Principles for health, safety and
environment, as it may exist from time to time, shall be attached as Exhibit
A hereto.
Defalcation
Misappropriation and Similar Irregularities (Fraud)
PURPOSE:
This policy establishes and communicates the Company's policy regarding the
prohibition, recognition, reporting and investigation of suspected fraud, defalcation,
misappropriation and other similar irregularities.
DEFINITIONS:
- The Company prohibits all Fraud.
- The responsibility for detecting Fraud in the Company is that of management.
The Chief Financial Officer bears the primary responsibility.
- Situations involving suspected Fraud shall be reported to the Internal Audit
Department, the Chief Financial Officer or the Law Department. Any investigation
will be conducted under the authorization and direction of the Law Department.
- The Company's Director - Internal Audit shall be notified of suspected significant
Fraud (more than $50,000 of estimated loss), and, without regard to amount
of loss, any Fraud involving an officer of the Company.
- Fraud investigations (involving more than $50,000 of estimated loss, and
any Fraud, without regard to amount of loss involving an officer of the Company
will be reported to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
- The Company's Director - Internal Audit, the General Counsel and the Chief
Financial Officer will maintain close liaison with each other and will participate
in joint investigations as deemed appropriate under the circumstances.
POLICY:
- The Company will comply with all applicable Laws and relevant industry
standards of practice concerning protection of health and safety of its
employees in the work place and other persons effected by its business
activities and the protection of the environment. Protection of health,
safety, and the environment is a primary goal of the Company and the management
of the Company shall take such actions as are reasonable and necessary
to achieve such goal and carry out this policy.
- All employees of the Company will conduct their duties and responsibilities
in a manner which is compatible with achieving these goals and carrying
out this policy.
- The Company will work with its employees, clients, contractors, suppliers,
partners and customers and with the communities in which it operates in
order to achieve these goals and carry out these policies.
PROCEDURE:
- This Company Policy shall be implemented by the Company under the oversight
of the Health, Safety and Environment Committee of the Board of Directors
("HSE Committee"). The HSE Committee may establish such procedures
and guiding principles as it deems necessary to carry out this policy.
- The Company shall establish and maintain self-assessment and audit programs
sufficient to provide management of the Company and the HSE Committee
with reports and other information concerning the Company's compliance
with this policy.
- The Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall designate a senior
officer of the Company as its Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer
("Chief HSE Officer").
- The Chief HSE Officer shall oversee the administration of this Corporate
Policy and shall make such recommendations to the HSE Committee as he/she
shall deem appropriate to carry out such policy and achieve its goals.
The Chief HSE Officer shall report to the HSE Committee at least once
each year concerning the Company's compliance with this Corporate Policy
and the activities administered by the Chief HSE Officer.
- The full text of the Company's Guiding Principles for health, safety
and environment, as it may exist from time to time, shall be attached
as Exhibit A hereto.
Sexual Harassment-
United States Operations
PURPOSE:
This policy establishes and communicates the Company's policy prohibiting sexual
harassment for the Company's operations governed by United States Law.
POLICY:
- With respect to Company operations governed by United States Law, all employees,
without regard to gender, shall be allowed to enjoy a work environment free
from sexual harassment. All reports of alleged sexual harassment will be promptly
and thoroughly investigated. All information will be held in strict confidence
and will be disclosed only on a need-to-know basis. The Company will not permit
retaliation against any employee because that employee has participated in
the filing or investigation of a complaint of sexual harassment.
- Each supervisor has a responsibility to maintain the workplace free of sexual
harassment. This duty includes discussing this policy with all subordinate
employees and assuring them that they need not endure any form of sexual harassment.
DEFINITIONS:
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical
conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when: (i) submission
to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition
of an individual's employment, (ii) submission to or rejection of such conduct
by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting such
individual, or (iii) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably
interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating,
hostile or offensive working environment.
PROCEDURE:
Reports of alleged sexual harassment should be made and will be handled in
accordance with the following procedures. It is intended that the privacy of
the persons involved will be protected, except to the extent necessary to conduct
a proper investigation. If the investigation substantiates that the complaint
is valid, immediate corrective action designed to stop the sexual harassment
and prevent its recurrence will be taken.
- Any person who believes he or she has been or is being sexually harassed
should report the incident to such person's supervisor, department head, the
Director of Employee Relations or the Vice President - Human Resources. An
employee who believes sexual harassment has occurred or is occurring should
report such conduct to one of the above persons regardless of the position
of the offending person (e.g., officer, manager, supervisor, fellow employee,
customer, etc.). Any supervisor or department head who receives a complaint
of sexual harassment shall report it immediately to the Vice President - Human
Resources or such officer's designee.
- All reports of alleged sexual harassment will be promptly and thoroughly
investigated. An employee who believes he or she has been or is being subjected
to sexual harassment, or who believes he or she has observed sexual harassment,
and who reports the matter pursuant to this Policy shall not be retaliated
against or adversely treated, with respect to the terms and conditions of
employment, because of the making of the report.
United States Federal
Government Contracting
PURPOSE:
This policy establishes standards, including employee training and nonconformance
reporting guidelines, to ensure that the Company complies with federal regulations
applicable to United States governmental contracts.
POLICY:
- The Company will comply with all applicable regulations applicable to United
States governmental contracts.
- All employees involved in the performance of work under governmental contracts
are to be adequately informed and sufficiently trained in the policies and
practices contained in this Code of Business Conduct and other Company policies
specifically relating to government contracting. Each business unit with contracts
with the United States government is responsible for ensuring that employee
training regarding these policies is conducted and that such training is properly
documented.
PROCEDURE:
- Reporting Nonconformance
The Company takes appropriate, timely action to correct any violations
of United States governmental standards. If an employee has a question concerning
the propriety of a transaction, the employee must report the transaction
to his or her immediate supervisor. If the supervisor finds the question
to have substance, the supervisor must report the transaction to the General
Counsel or his designee. The supervisor must advise the employee of the
action the supervisor has taken. If the employee disagrees with the supervisor
or if the employee is not comfortable reporting the transaction to the supervisor,
the employee may contact the General Counsel or his designee directly.
- Cost and Pricing Data on Proposals
When cost and pricing data are required to be submitted in order to respond
to a government solicitation, the cost and pricing data must be current,
accurate, and complete at the time of submission. All costs are to be properly
recorded, documented, and retained in compliance with United States federal
procurement regulations. Each business unit doing business with the United
States government must invoice the government in strict compliance with
United States governmental cost principles and other United States federal
regulations.
- Proprietary and Security Issues
Many United States governmental projects in which the Company participates
may involve classified or proprietary materials or information. In these
projects, the Company will comply with all United States government security
regulations in order to prevent unauthorized access, distribution, or use
of any classified information.
- Employment of Former Military, United States Department of Defense, or Other
Federal Employees
The Company will comply with applicable United States federal statutes
and regulations governing the employment of former United States military,
Department of Defense, or other federal employees. When the Company contemplates
hiring a former United States governmental employee or engaging the employee
as a consultant, the responsible business unit manager shall consult with
the Law Department for guidance as to the proper lawful procedures that
must be observed.Reports of alleged sexual harassment should be made and
will be handled in accordance with the following procedures. It is intended
that the privacy of the persons involved will be protected, except to the
extent necessary to conduct a proper investigation. If the investigation
substantiates that the complaint is valid, immediate corrective action designed
to stop the sexual harassment and prevent its recurrence will be taken.
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