Clients want to see more than just safety protocols in safety manuals. More and more clients want to see Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programs incorporated into their documentation. These programs help address broader ethical concerns such as modern slavery, fair labour practices, environmental policies, and anti-fraud/corruption policies. To read more about ESG Metrics, check out this post.
Modern Slavery
Modern Slavery may seem like an out-of-date policy in today’s day and age, but unfortunately, it is still an issue and there are many situations where forced labour is occurring. This can happen in many ways, some may include:
- Employees are not allowed to leave on their own free will.
- The Employer has taken personal documentation (such as a passport) and will not return it.
- Employee is working to pay off a debt.
Modern Slavery also includes forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour.
The first step to address the issue is integrating a Modern Slavery Policy into your safety manual. Following that, the next step may involve the following:
- Due diligence on suppliers and contractors.
- Ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain.
- Implementing monitoring.
Fair Labour Practices / ESG
Fair labour practices include fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers’ rights. Clients are starting to emphasize the importance of working with companies that prioritize the well-being of their employees and contractors.
This may look different for each company at first glance, since safe working conditions do look very different for trades vs office jobs. But at the end of the day, businesses need to ensure that every employee comes home safe and healthy, pays their employees a livable wage, and ensures employees are told and understand their worker rights. This also shows your employees that you care about them.
“Clients are realizing it is better to have a proactive approach to environmental issues than to have a reactive one.”
Environmental Policy / ESG
Clients are now starting to ask companies if they have had any environmental warnings, fines, spills, etc. Clients are realizing it is better to have a proactive approach to environmental issues than to have a reactive one. An Environmental policy may include the following topics:
- Complying with laws and regulations
- Company commitment to meeting certain environmental goals
- Training for Employees
- Responding to environmental emergencies
- Minimizing the impact on the environment
By keeping the environment in mind, organizations can save money by improving processes to reduce waste, decrease liability, stay within current laws and regulations, and respond promptly to incidents, potentially lowering fines.
Anti-Fraud/Anti-Corruption/Ethics Policy
Ethical conduct is the cornerstone of sustainable business practices. Clients expect companies to operate free from any fraud or corruption. This may vary depending on which culture you are operating in; however, you need to ensure you are following all rules and regulations in the area.
Including an anti-fraud/anti-corruption/ethics policy in safety manuals is a way to show that your company has integrity. Companies should also provide training on ethical decision-making and procedures for reporting unethical behaviour confidentially and without punishment.
Incorporating ESG programs into safety manuals is becoming a necessity in today’s businesses. Clients are increasingly prioritizing ethical considerations in their bid reviews and expecting their partners to demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and good governance.
If you need any of these policies feel free to reach out for a free quote at 888.434.0411.
