To demonstrate our commitment to Ethical Trading, we’re breaking down each of the 9 Base Code Principles, outlined by the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) – a unique alliance of Companies, Trade Unions (TU) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), working in partnership to improve conditions for workers who provide goods to the UK & Ireland.
This week we’re focusing on ETI Base Code 3:
Working conditions are safe and hygienic
3.1 A safe and hygienic working environment shall be provided, bearing in mind the prevailing knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards. Adequate steps shall be taken to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, associated with, or occurring in the course of work, by minimising, so far as is reasonably practicable, the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment.
3.2 Workers shall receive regular and recorded health and safety training, and such training shall be repeated for new or reassigned workers.
3.3 Access to clean toilet facilities and to potable water, and, if appropriate, sanitary facilities for food storage shall be provided.
3.4 Accommodation, where provided, shall be clean, safe, and meet the basic needs of the workers.
3.5 The company observing the code shall assign responsibility for health and safety to a senior management representative.
Hardscape are working in partnership to improve conditions for workers who provide goods to the UK & Ireland. The ETI Base Code and ground truth process of implementation are recognised by the UK Government and the UNHRC. This provides an assurance that graduated members are diligent to the requirements of section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 in evidencing an ethical supply chain, and are operating within the Protect-Respect-Remedy framework of the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights.
Hardscape’s commitment to the ETI will never allow work as means of repayment for a loan (bonded labour) to take place and ensures all of its staff are paid fairly. Workers are not required to lodge “deposits” or identity papers with their employer and are free to leave employment after reasonable notice. Read about Base Code Principle 2.
