Prevention and Mitigation

At Prysmian, we are dedicated to nurturing talent in an environment that values diversity, promotes inclusion, and prioritizes the well-being of our employees and the communities in which they live. We also strive to ensure that our suppliers respect human rights. 

 

Over the years, we have implemented various preventive and mitigating actions to address the most significant human rights issues outlined in our human rights policy. Our goal is to prevent negative impacts on identified stakeholders and vulnerable groups.

Prysmian values individuals' contributions, recognizing that diverse backgrounds, leadership styles, and attitudes can generate significant value for the company. We actively promote diversity and inclusion at every level of our organization. 

 

Our hiring and promotion decisions are based solely on qualifications, performance, skills, and experience. To maintain the highest standards in our hiring activities, we have implemented a standardized methodology that ensures a fair and transparent process for all candidates. 

 

We foster an inclusive and collaborative community that transcends regional, national, and international boundaries, with a strong emphasis on international mobility. 

 

Prysmian is committed to creating tools and conditions that help all employees effectively manage their unique lives and work. One of our key initiatives is the adoption of the North American Parental Policy. 

 

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination in any form. Employees will not be treated differently or unfairly based on factors such as skin color, religion, age, disability, political views, sexual orientation, race, gender, cultural affiliation, place of origin, or any other basis. We are dedicated to creating a safe and respectful work environment, free from disrespectful or inappropriate behavior, unfair treatment, or retaliation. 

 

To support this commitment, we have adopted a Global Anti-Harassment Policy and organized workshops and training initiatives for managers aimed at strengthening diversity awareness and fostering a more inclusive leadership style. Any violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment.

Prysmian has a strong stance against child labor, viewing it as a serious violation of human rights. We firmly believe that hazardous work is prohibited for children under the age of 18. Our commitment is to provide decent work for young workers and to ensure the protection and safety of children in all our business activities and facilities. 

 

We actively work to prevent child labor in our operations, but we recognize that there are risks associated with child labor within our supply chain. In our industry, Prysmian purchases limited quantities of glass-based tapes that contain small amounts of mica, a mineral whose extraction can involve underage labor. However, we do not use mica directly in our products or production processes. 

 

We want to emphasize that Prysmian is dedicated to eliminating child labor from both our operations and our supply chain. We require all suppliers of products containing mica to complete a questionnaire certifying the absence of child labor at any point in their supply chain, and we expect them to continuously monitor this issue.

Prysmian is dedicated to ensuring that all our workers are protected, treated fairly, and with dignity. Employment at Prysmian is voluntary, and we do not tolerate any form of exploitation, forced labor, or human trafficking, whether it involves our directly employed workforce or any part of our supply chain. 

 

Forced labor includes practices such as threatening workers with severe deprivations—like withholding passports or other identification documents, food, land, or wages—physical violence, sexual abuse, or binding workers through debt. 

 

On the supply chain side, we have implemented a supplier engagement program that includes several suppliers from areas identified as high-risk. We continue to monitor and assess our supply chain to identify potential risks of slavery and human trafficking.

At Prysmian, we recognize the vital role that labor unions play in enhancing and safeguarding employees' working conditions. We fully respect our employees' rights to join, form, or refrain from joining a labor union, and we ensure that these rights are upheld without fear of retaliation, intimidation, or harassment. This empowers our employees to make their own choices. 

 

When a legally recognized union represents our employees, we are dedicated to fostering a constructive dialogue with their chosen representatives. This commitment includes regular meetings, open communication, and a genuine willingness to listen to and address the concerns and proposals of union representatives. We also promise to engage in good-faith negotiations with these representatives, understanding the importance of reaching agreements that benefit both parties. 

 

We respect the independent operations of workers' representatives and trade union organizations, recognizing that they function autonomously in accordance with local laws and practices. We guarantee their involvement and consultation at all levels and processes related to collective personnel management, acknowledging their essential role in our operations.

Prysmian is committed to protecting the health and safety of all employees and subcontractors. We believe that a safe and healthy workplace is essential, and safety is our top priority. 

 

Our Human Rights Policy outlines our responsibility to ensure a productive workplace across our Group by minimizing the risks of accidents, injuries, and exposure to health hazards for all associates and contractors. 

 

To achieve this, we identify hazards in our facilities and assess safety and health risks. We provide training to staff to help them avoid risks associated with equipment as well as the storage and management of hazardous materials and waste, aiming to prevent occupational diseases and reduce the frequency and severity of injuries. 

 

Additionally, we invest in environmental initiatives, focusing on energy efficiency, and water and waste management.

At Prysmian, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset as an engineering and manufacturing company. We are dedicated to ensuring that every worker can utilize their unique skills and talents in roles that suit them best, whether it be technical expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and design, problem-solving abilities in project management, or creativity in marketing and product development. 

 

Compliance with local work hours and overtime laws is fundamental to Prysmian's Human Rights Policy. We respect our employees regarding working hours, provide access to all necessary facilities, and foster a positive working environment. Prysmian ensures that appropriate rest and meal breaks are provided, maintaining accurate records of these breaks because we value the well-being and comfort of our employees. 

 

We understand the paramount importance of job security at Prysmian. That's why our employment contracts include written agreements that clearly outline the terms and conditions, including notice periods for both employees and the company. In cases of leaves of absence, we comply with all applicable laws to protect your employment, ensuring that your job remains secure upon your return. 

 

Our commitment to training and development for all employees is unwavering at Prysmian. We provide equal access to a wide range of development and educational opportunities. The Global HQ Academy and local People Development teams are dedicated to addressing your training needs, including specialized programs for non-desk workers. We believe in empowering our employees and supporting their career growth.

Prysmian is committed to providing fair and equal remuneration for all its employees in accordance with national regulations. We ensure that our compensation packages are competitive and aligned with industry standards, including compliance with local minimum wage laws and benefits. 

 

We maintain accurate records of hours worked, salaries, bonuses, authorized deductions, and benefits. Employees receive regular pay slips that clearly and understandably outline this information. 

 

Our goal is to reward employees through performance-based compensation programs that promote fairness in pay. These programs encourage our employees to achieve excellent results and allow them to share in our success through participation in our share ownership program. 

 

Employees have the right to equal pay for equal work. Our remuneration systems are designed to be free from bias related to gender, age, ethnicity, cultural background, or race. We value diversity and support inclusion by ensuring that there are no pay differentials based on any form of discrimination.

Prysmian is dedicated to enriching the communities around us because we depend on them. We design, manufacture, and sell cables worldwide. Wherever we operate, we engage in socially responsible business practices by supporting the economic, social, and cultural development of our communities. We are committed to treating local and indigenous people with fairness, equality, and respect while positively influencing the local area.

 

We believe that access to energy and telecommunications is essential for the economic and social development of local communities. Our corporate citizenship and philanthropic activities extend beyond borders, as we aim to support this access on a global scale. This is especially critical in developing countries, where we source some of the raw materials for our cables, and where our contributions can make a significant impact. 

 

We recognize the importance of our employees in our social responsibility initiatives. North American desk employees are given 8 hours of paid time off annually to volunteer with a local organization of their choice. This approach benefits the community and integrates our employees into our commitment to social responsibility.

North America

FINDING: In the Plant is missing a dedicated procedure for plant emergencies and industrial accidents affecting the surrounding community from an environmental standpoint.

The Plant has different, yet valid measures (e.g. safety instructions during accidents, training for all managers related to emergency situations, evacuation plans) across multiple documents but does not have a dedicated policy and procedure that covers environmental health and safety in relation to local communities.

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended to implement an environmental health and safety communication procedure which includes all the safety and emergency measures already in place

PRIORITY: Low

ACTION: An environmental health and safety communication procedure will be documented and communicated to all employees. This procedure will include all the safety and emergency measures already in place.

TIME: First Half 2021

FINDING: While the overtime pay rate are communicated to employees, there is not a documented overtime policy that formalizes the pay rate and process for instituting overtime (voluntary vs. mandatory)

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended document the overtime process and procedures and communicate the process to all employees.

PRIORITY: Low

ACTION: The overtime process and procedures will be formalized. Once formalized the process will be communicated and accessible to all plant employees.

FINDING: Should ensure that periodic analysis are conducted on noise level, air pollution and machine vibration.

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that periodic health & safety analysis for noise level, air pollution, and machine vibration are conducted and communicated to employees.

PRIORITY: Low

ACTION: The plant conducts a variety of health & safety analysis for items such as noise level, air pollution, and machine vibration. Leadership will communicate these analytical results to plant personnel via safety meetings and plant-wide communications.

TIME: First Half 2021