Integrity Standard - Proper Use of Corporate Assets
Policy:
Company assets are to be used for the benefit of the Company.
Company assets include, but are not limited to, corporate
data, business strategies and plans, financial data, and
other proprietary or confidential information about the
Company business or its employees, equipment, furniture,
vehicles, office supplies, corporate funds, credit cards,
employee time, and computer supplies and software. We have
a responsibility to protect the Company’s assets and
to ensure that they are used for valid Company purposes.
We will use and maintain Company assets with the utmost
care and respect, guarding against misuse, waste, abuse,
loss, and theft.
We will not give confidential or proprietary Company information
to unauthorized persons such as competitors, suppliers,
or outside contractors without proper authorization.
Intellectual Property and Trade Secrets
Intellectual property and trade secrets include
all ideas, inventions, discoveries, improvements and innovations
and include but is not limited to the following categories:
- New product design
- Detailed financial or pricing information
- Trademarks
- Logos
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- Marketing plans
- Computer programs, models and databases (including
source codes)
- Copyrights
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The Company owns all intellectual property that we make,
create, develop, write or conceive either on our own or
with another person while employed by or contracted with
the Company whether developed during working hours or not,
and:
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is related in any way to actual or anticipated
business, research or development of the Company;
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results from work assigned to or performed
by us for the Company; and/or
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is conceived or made with the use of
Company systems, equipment, materials, facilities, computer
programs, or confidential or proprietary business information.
Use of the Internet and other Electronic Media
The Company’s communication systems, e.g.
phones, voice-mail, fax, e-mail, Internet, and Company intranet
are to be used for business purposes. They may never be
used to access, store, download or distribute materials
that are:
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unauthorized or personal, such as software,
music, etc.
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offensive, threatening or malicious;
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criminal or promote criminal activity,
or
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sexually explicit.
Company systems should not be used to send chain letters
or personal broadcast messages.
Occasional personal use is allowed so long as such use
does not interfere with the security or effectiveness of
any system or interfere with our job performance.
The Company owns these communication systems; therefore,
employees should have no expectations of rights to privacy.
The Company reserves the right to access, monitor and disclose
the contents of any communications, whether made for business
or personal reasons in accordance with all applicable laws
and regulations.
Unauthorized Software
We will not make unauthorized copies of computer
software programs or use personal software on Company computer
equipment. The creating or loading of unauthorized software
onto Company-owned PCs, workstations or other computer systems
is strictly prohibited. Such unauthorized actions could
cause the destruction of information or computer systems,
technical problems (for example, incompatible drivers or
commands, or viruses) or other substantial harm, if not
approved by and coordinated with appropriate Company personnel
in advance. In addition, the unauthorized copying or use
of unauthorized software could be a violation of federal
copyright laws and could result in civil and/or criminal
liability.
Respecting the Property Rights of Others
We will respect the property rights of others and
not engage in the unauthorized use of their intellectual
property or trade secrets including the copying or downloading
of trademarks, copyrighted materials and logos.
Questions & Answers
Q. If I see an employee intentionally
misusing, damaging, or stealing Company property, what should
I do?
A. We all have an obligation
to treat Company property and equipment with care and respect.
If you are aware of anyone intentionally or negligently
damaging or stealing Company property or equipment, report
your observations to your Supervisor, or another Corporate
Resource, who will investigate the matter and take the appropriate
action.
Q. Can I supply a list of our clients to an outside
source?
A. No. Client lists are
a valuable asset and should never be disclosed to anyone
outside of the Company without specific management approval.
Q. Can I download documents, pictures, media clips
or software from the Internet for distribution, printing
or use on my computer?
A. Documents, pictures,
media clips and music can be downloaded if they are related
to a legitimate business need and if allowed by the Internet
host site. However, copyright laws must be applied prior
to any distribution or copying, even if there is a legitimate
business need.
Under no circumstances should software
be loaded on an HCSC computer at any time unless authorized
and installed by the appropriate Information Technology
resources. In many cases, software may be contaminated with
viruses or conflict with the computer architecture, which
could disrupt not only your computer but also your co-workers’
computers.
Q. What are the possible consequences of visiting
an internet site and viewing, downloading or sending sexually
explicit materials?
A. In most cases, termination
will result. The Company prohibits the use of its systems
to view, download or send sexually explicit materials. This
type of activity represents inappropriate use of Company
assets and is considered a serious violation of Company
policy. When discovered, disciplinary action will be taken
up to and including termination.
Q. Can I use a Company pool car for non-business
related purposes?
A. No, Company pool cars
are available for Company business related purposes or activities
only. If you have a Company pool car overnight or over a
weekend, you cannot use the vehicle for non-business or
personal trips of any kind.
Remember, if you do not understand, or if you have any
questions concerning, this Integrity Standard or any other
part of the Code, contact your Supervisor, a higher level
Supervisor, any of the Corporate Resources or call the Corporate
Integrity HOTLINE
(1 800 838-2552).
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Conduct Page
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