Human Rights

Our Human Rights Policy

As a global company, Ecolab is committed to enhancing the well-being of people and communities around the world.

Our employees’ human rights are respected across our global operations and we are committed to respecting the international human rights standards defined by the United Nations Global Compact and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We aspire to create an inclusive and respectful work environment; one in which employees recognize each other’s worth and dignity.

As stated in our Code of Conduct, any conduct that detracts from the worth and dignity of our employees is contrary to our values and has no place in our culture. We also are committed to showing respect to people and cultures in all of the countries where we do business.

Learn more about Ecolab's United Nations Global Compact Commitment.

Human Rights Disclosures

It is Ecolab’s policy to disclose any human rights controversies which may relate to child employment, female or minority rights infringement, or other issues pertaining to human rights as defined by the EEOC.  No fines related to human rights issues have been levied against the company by any governmental organisation in the past five years.

Supply Chain

Our Ethical Sourcing Standards are the foundation of our global supply chain initiative, requiring our direct suppliers to protect the health, safety and human rights of their associates. We will not conduct business with suppliers who do not support the fundamental principles of human dignity and rights of workers to fair and equitable treatment.

Suppliers must meet our standards regarding forced labour, child labour, health and safety in the workplace, fair pay, harassment, diversity and ethics, and environmental policies. We require that our suppliers identify and act swiftly to eliminate any unacceptable conditions or practices in their facilities.

We base our supplier requirements on international standards including the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Conventions of the International Labour Organization, including its Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

1. Verification. In order to evaluate and address risks of human trafficking and slavery in our supply chains, Ecolab has developed a detailed supplier ethical assessment that our top suppliers must complete in order to verify compliance with Ecolab’s ethical sourcing requirements. Ecolab has required our top suppliers in the chemical, packaging, equipment and contract manufacturing categories to complete the assessment, and we continue to expand the number and scope of suppliers required to complete the assessment. Suppliers are questioned not only about their policies, but about management practices and specific performance related to protection of employees’ human rights and prevention and elimination of trafficking and slavery. Ecolab does not currently conduct on-site audits of suppliers related to trafficking and slavery in supply chains, but is evaluating whether to expand its existing assessment programme to ensure compliance with trafficking and slavery standards.
2. Certification. Ecolab requires all suppliers to comply with applicable government regulations, as well as with Ecolab policies and procedures. We incorporated a certification requirement to that effect into our supplier ethical assessment in 2012.
3. Accountability. Ecolab’s employees are held accountable for ensuring we meet our standards regarding slavery and trafficking as expressed in Ecolab’s Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct requires employees and contractors to engage in ethical source selection. It also makes clear that compliance with applicable government regulations and Company policies and procedures is required of all Ecolab suppliers, agents and consultants.
4. Training. Ecolab provides training to our supply chain and purchasing employees, as well as to our suppliers, regarding Ecolab’s ethical sourcing policies and procedures.

Alignment with Global Human Rights Principles

Ecolab supports the efforts of human rights organizations to end violence and atrocities in Central Africa (the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and nine adjoining countries:  Republic of Congo, Central Africa Republic, South Sudan, Zambia, Angola, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda). For more information, read Ecolab's Policy Statement on Conflict Minerals.

Ecolab does not have any facilities that are certified to the SA8000 Standard. However, in accordance with our Human Rights Policy and related programs, Ecolab operates in alignment with the policies and procedures outlined in the SA8000 Standard which seek to protect basic human rights of workers.

Ecolab does not currently have a formal relationship with a body which enforces the Global Sullivan principles. As a company with a presence in South Africa, we support and subscribe to the principles.  We also adhere to Employment Equity and Black Economic Empowerment legislation in South Africa, which is designed to enforce the Global Sullivan principles.

Ecolab as a Supplier

Ecolab complies with all local and country-level laws and regulations related to minimum age of employment at all Ecolab locations. Ecolab does not have an engagement programme with indigenous peoples as the scope of our operations does not require nor affect indigenous peoples.

Ecolab participates in SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange), which is a non-profit membership organisation dedicated to driving improvements in ethical and responsible business practices in global supply chains. It is a web-based platform for sharing information and audit results on four pillars: (1) labour standards; (2) health and safety; (3) environment; and (4) business integrity. As a member, Ecolab is committed to conducting audits annually and sharing these results within SEDEX.

The vice president of Human Resources is responsible for the implementation of this policy.