Workplace Conduct Policy

2-6

UCAR strives to maintain a work environment that encourages mutual respect and professionalism and is free from all forms of harassment, intimidation and violence. UCAR does not tolerate any form of such behavior directed toward UCAR employees or persons connected with UCAR, including, for example, vendors and funding agency staff.

The United States Government has adopted a zero tolerance policy regarding trafficking in persons. Therefore, UCAR, its employees and its subcontractors shall not engage in severe forms of trafficking in persons; procure commercial sex acts; or use forced labor in the performance of any federally funded work.

It is the duty and responsibility of every employee to be aware of and abide by UCAR policies, procedures and guidelines. It is also the responsibility of the employee to perform his/her duties to the best of his/her ability and to the standards as set forth in his/her position description, or as otherwise established.

Individuals found to have engaged in inappropriate behaviors are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.  Retaliation against a person who initiates a complaint or an inquiry about such behaviors is equally prohibited.

Employees who become aware of behaviors prohibited by UCAR's policies and procedures are required to report such conduct to their supervisor or the Human Resources Department.

In cases where employees face imminent danger, they should remove themselves from the dangerous area and call for emergency assistance. The supervisor, the Human Resources Department and/or the Director of Safety and Site Services should be notified.  Upon receipt of such a report, an assessment team including representatives from Human Resources, Safety and Site Services, and the appropriate laboratory or program will be formed to evaluate the situation and formulate an appropriate response.

See Workplace Conduct procedures. Also see the Sexual Harassment policy.

Workplace Conduct Procedures

(associated with Workplace Conduct Policy 2-6)

Workplace Conduct procedures provide guidance to UCAR employees. UCAR cannot prescribe a civility code or create a list of all forms of behavior that are considered unacceptable in the workplace. It is the responsibility of employees to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, as judged by a reasonable person.

Workplace Violence

Workplace violence involves behavior on the part of the employee that demonstrates a loss of control and that poses a threat to the safety of co-workers, customers and the public. Such behavior will not be tolerated. This behavior includes, but is not limited to: intimidating, threatening, or hostile conduct; physical or verbal abuse; vandalism; arson; sabotage; use of weapons; or bringing weapons onto UCAR sites (including parking lots) without authorization, theft or inappropriate removal or possession of UCAR property. In addition, alarming or threatening comments that might refer to, suggest, or promote a violent, intimidating, or threatening action are not tolerated.

Employees who become aware of such conduct should immediately inform a member of management, the Human Resources department and/or the Director of Safety and Site Services.

Harassment

UCAR, consistent with the federal law, prohibits harassment on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability or any other applicable status protected by law. (See Sexual Harassment Policy.) Harassment does not include simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not serious. Nor does it include normal conditions of performing a job. Rather, the conduct must be so objectively offensive as to alter the conditions of the individual's employment. However, UCAR's goal is to have a work environment where we treat each other respectfully and professionally. Unprofessional or disrespectful behavior, even if not illegal, interferes with that goal and is inappropriate.

Employees may consult with their manager or the Human Resources staff with concerns regarding inappropriate conduct. They may also access UCAR's Problem Resolution Policy.