Company Rules and Conditions of Employment
1. Customer Care
Clients are the most important people in our business! They pay all our wages.
You have a duty to develop and maintain the best possible professional relationship with present and prospective clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Remember, as far as the client or stakeholder is concerned, you are the Company.
1.1 Behavior and Responsibilities
The Company issues written statements about the way it will conduct its business and its relationships with internal and external stakeholders. These statements are called Policies and are periodically reviewed and updated. They include Quality, Equal Opportunity, and Health and Safety.
During your induction period, you will be informed about those Company Policies that apply to your particular job role. It is your responsibility to ensure that you always follow the spirit and the letter of these Policies.
You are required to conduct yourself courteously and with integrity at all times.
1.2 Quality
The Company operates a Quality Management System, which is third-party registered.
Key methods of business operation are detailed in the Operating Procedures contained within this Quality Management System. Your training will include the Quality Operating Procedures relating to your job role, and you must always adhere to these procedures.
We aim to provide the highest quality of service to all clients. You will receive instruction on the expected standards of work performance and the specifications that we must meet. You are required to achieve and maintain these quality standards of work.
1.3 Duties
Your job title is specified in your written Statement of Terms. In order to deliver a quality service and remain competitive, a flexible approach to work is necessary. It is, therefore, a condition of employment that you are prepared to undertake duties other than those for which you have been specifically engaged.
1.4 Customer Premises
All customers’ site rules must be adhered to. No children, animals, or unauthorized persons may be taken on customer premises or on Company premises.
1.5 Appearance and Personal Hygiene
At work, you represent the Company. Personal appearance and standards of hygiene are very important in presenting a professional image. Whilst appreciating that cleaning is a physical task, it should be noted that client complaints about personal hygiene are embarrassing for all parties concerned.
Cosmetic appearance and accessories that are inappropriate to the working environment will not be allowed. Customer rules must be adhered to when working on customer premises.
Where required, the Company will supply uniforms and essential personal protective equipment without charge. These must be kept clean and in good condition. They remain the property of the Company at all times and will be charged for at cost if not returned on leaving the Company.
1.6 Environmental Awareness
1.6.1 Our Environment
At Floorite, LLC we are committed to environmental responsibility. There is no point in providing quality cleaning if at the same time we are damaging our environment because this will affect our future. In addition, many of our customers want to know that we take care of the environment and we must comply with environmental legislation.
A copy of our environmental policy can be seen in Appendix 4. We review our performance every three months at management meetings and set targets to constantly improve. We have an environmental coordinator.
1.6.2 Waste Disposal
All waste materials and packaging must be disposed of correctly and carefully. There are two different kinds of waste:
Controlled Waste: Non-hazardous waste such as wood, cardboard, glass, plastics, and metal items.
Special Waste: Waste that is particularly difficult to deal with, including prescription medicines, oil or waste contaminated with oil, highly flammable waste, and many chemicals.
Note that Floorite, LLC never accepts or handles asbestos (a special waste).
When handling chemicals, always follow COSHH guidelines and the instructions on the container. Any unused chemical should be returned to Floorite, LLC department stores. Normally, empty containers can be rinsed and disposed of at the general waste disposal point. Ask your manager before disposal if in doubt. Some hazardous substances are highly flammable (with a flash point less than 21°C) and even empty containers need to be disposed of as special waste.
If you have waste which is not within the above categories, refer to your manager who can take the advice of a specialist waste contractor as to the most suitable route for disposal.
Your work instructions should identify where to dispose of waste. If you are in any doubt, ask your manager. Always follow the customer’s recycling policy when on customer premises.
If you are organizing waste collection/disposal for controlled waste, you must:
Obtain a duty of care controlled waste transfer note and file it in the department/branch waste management file if delivering the waste to the local authority waste disposal point.
Ensure a duty of care transfer note covering the collection of the waste is completed prior to any waste being taken from the site if arranging for a sub-contractor to remove the waste. Ensure that the carrier of the waste has a waste carrier's license. Keep a copy of the transfer note and waste carrier license in the department/branch waste management file. Keep a copy of individual receipts (where applicable) from the carriers in the department waste management file.
Check that the carrier has a waste carrier's license if disposing of waste through skips. The carrier should give you a controlled waste transfer note, and this should be kept in the department/branch waste management file.
For special waste, a special waste consignment note must be sent to the Environment Agency prior to waste collection, and a copy of the consignment note placed in the department/branch waste management file.
1.6.3 Liquid Wastes
There are two different drainage systems:
Surface Water Drainage: Drains or gutters discharge rainwater straight into streams and rivers. It is, therefore, vital to ensure that water or liquid contaminated with chemicals or oil does not enter surface water drains. It can enter surface water drains if allowed to drain into the earth. Even if pollution is caused accidentally, it is an offense, and the Environment Agency can impose large fines. No detergents, whether described as biodegradable or not, should be discharged to surface water drains, gutters, streams, or rivers.
Foul Water Drainage: Takes contaminated waste to treatment works for cleaning. There are restrictions on the type and amount of chemical that can be allowed to enter foul sewers, so follow COSHH information at all times.
For these reasons:
Do not allow wash waters from mobile pressure washers to discharge to surface water drains, gutters, streams, or the ground.
Only wash vehicles in the HO wash-bay area or at a car wash facility.
Check that loading and unloading of chemicals takes place away from surface water drains and that emergency spill kits are available.
Always make sure that any contaminated water or liquid is disposed of/drains to foul sewers.
Follow COSHH information.
2. Security and Property
2.1 Company Property
You have a duty to safeguard Company and customers’ property at all times, except where this may put yourself or others at risk of injury.
Section 2: Employment Policies
2.1 Employee Classifications
The following terms are used to describe employees and their employment status:
Exempt Employees: Employees whose positions meet specific tests established by the Federal Labor Standards Act ("FLSA") and state law. In general, exempt employees are those engaged in executive, managerial, high-level administrative, and professional jobs who are paid a fixed salary and perform certain duties. In addition, certain commissioned sales employees and highly paid computer professionals are exempt. Exempt employees are not subject to the minimum wage and overtime laws.
Nonexempt Employees: Employees whose positions do not meet specific tests established by the FLSA and state law. All employees who are covered by the federal or state minimum wage and overtime laws are considered nonexempt. Employees working in nonexempt jobs are entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage per hour and a premium for overtime.
Full-Time Employees: Employees who are not temporary employees, independent contractors, or independent consultants and who are regularly scheduled to work a schedule of 35 hours per work week.
Part-Time Employees: Employees who are not temporary employees, independent contractors, or independent consultants and who are regularly scheduled to work less than 35 hours per work week.
Temporary Employees: Employees who are hired as interim replacements to temporarily supplement the workforce or to assist in the completion of a specific project. Employment assignments in this category are of limited duration, and the temporary employee can be let go before the end of the defined period. Short-term assignments generally are periods of three (3) months or less; however, such assignments may be extended. All Temporary employees are at-will regardless of the anticipated duration of the assignment (see Employment-at-Will Policy). Temporary employees retain that status unless and until notified in writing of a change.
Independent Contractor or Consultant: These individuals are not employees of the Company and are self-employed. An independent contractor or consultant is engaged to perform a task according to his/her own methods and is subject to control and direction only as to the results to be accomplished. Independent contractors or consultants are not entitled to benefits.
Each employee will be advised of his or her status at the time of hire and any change in status. Regardless of the employee's status, the employee is employed at-will and the employment relationship can be terminated by the Company or the employee at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice.
2.2 Equal Employment Opportunity & Americans with Disabilities Act
It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to unlawful considerations of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. This policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, job assignment, working conditions, compensation, promotion, benefits, scheduling, training, discipline, and termination.
The Company expects all employees to support our equal employment opportunity policy and to take all steps necessary to maintain a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment and to accommodate others in line with this policy to the fullest extent required by law. For example, the Company will make reasonable accommodations for employees' observance of religious holidays and practices unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the Company's operations. If you desire a religious accommodation, you are required to make the request in writing to your manager as far in advance as possible. You are expected to strive to find co-workers who can assist in the accommodation (e.g., trade shifts) and cooperate with the Company in seeking and evaluating alternatives.
Moreover, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to the fullest extent required by law. The Company may require medical certification of both the disability and the need for accommodation. Keep in mind that the Company can only seek to accommodate the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual. Therefore, it is your responsibility to come forward if you are in need of an accommodation. The Company will engage in an interactive process with the employee to identify possible accommodations, if any, that will help the applicant or employee perform the job.
2.3 Confidentiality
In the course of employment with the Company, employees may have access to "Confidential Information" regarding the Company, which may include its business strategy, future plans, financial information, contracts, suppliers, customers, personnel information, or other information that the Company considers proprietary and confidential. Maintaining the confidentiality of this information is vital to the Company's competitive position in the industry and, ultimately, to its ability to achieve financial success and stability. Employees must protect this information by safeguarding it when in use, using it only for the business of the Company, and disclosing it only when authorized to do so and to those who have a legitimate business need to know about it. This duty of confidentiality applies whether the employee is on or off the Company's premises, and during and even after the end of the employee's employment with the Company. This duty of confidentiality also applies to communications transmitted by the Company's electronic communications. See also Internet, Email and Computer Use policy, herein.
As a condition of employment with the Company, all employees must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement.
HIPAA - Access and Confidentiality
“Confidential Information” includes information relating to:
Any individual's Protected Health Information (PHI), which is information that identifies an individual (name, social security number, account number, etc.) and is created or received by a health care provider, health plan, or healthcare clearinghouse, is transmitted or maintained in any medium (i.e., electronic medical record, paper, oral), and relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, or payment for the provision of care (including medical records, conversations, admitting information, and patient financial information).
Employees (including medical records, compensation, benefits, employment records, and disciplinary actions).
Company-specific information (including financial and statistical records, strategic plans, internal reports, memos, contracts, peer review information, communications, proprietary computer programs and technology, and source code).
Proprietary third-party information (including computer programs and technology, client or vendor information, and source code).
I understand and agree as follows:
As a healthcare employee, I may learn of or have access to Confidential Information through computer systems (including, but not limited to patient care information systems, other clinical and financial information systems, the longitudinal patient record, and the actuarial and claims systems) or through my employment.
I will use Confidential Information/PHI only as minimally necessary to perform my legitimate job duties, as well as safeguard and limit access to any Protected Health Information in any medium (including written, oral, or electronic formats).
I will safeguard access to Confidential Information, or any Confidential Information/PHI.
I will protect any and all PHI obtained as an employee of my physician after my employment has ended with my physician’s office.
I understand that my employer may routinely monitor and audit access to information regarding, but not limited to, employees and patients, their relatives, public figures, and VIPs for the appropriateness of access to such information as it relates to my legitimate duties.
If applicable: I will sign off the computer when I leave the computer system.
I understand that I am responsible for all activity logged under my password (access to the EMR). I understand that I must log off before another user may use the computer.
I will notify my employer immediately if I suspect or learn that my access code, other authorization for access to Confidential Information or any Confidential Information has been misused or disclosed without proper authorization.
I understand the purpose of this notification is to protect confidentiality by having my unique information systems access code(s) changed.
My employer may, at any time, revoke my access code or other authorization for access to Confidential Information.
A violation of this Agreement will subject me to discipline, including, if warranted, termination of records.
I understand that violation of my duties as discussed above may independently constitute a violation of applicable criminal/civil laws.
I have received training and understand concepts regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security as they relate to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and was given the opportunity to ask questions.
You are requested not to bring personal items of value to your place of work. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage to your property or effects. This includes damage to personal clothing, which occurs when the proper protective clothing, provided for you by the Company, is not worn.
2.3 Theft or Dishonesty
Found money or property must be referred immediately to the manager in charge.
The rule is simple: if it does not belong to you, you must not take it.
Theft or fraud (however small) is gross misconduct and will result in immediate dismissal. It is Company policy to report all cases of theft or fraud to the police.
2.4 Security Vetting
In certain circumstances, security vetting of individual employees may be necessary.
2.5 Right of Search
The Company reserves the right to carry out random checks on the identity, persons, and property (including vehicles) of employees while they are on the Company premises or place of business. Such checks in themselves do not imply suspicion in relation to the individuals concerned.
You may be asked to remove the contents of your pockets, bags, locker, vehicle, etc.
The Company reserves the right to call the police at any stage. This policy also relates to the search procedures operated by customers, where employees are subject to the rules in force at the customer’s premises.
Acceptance of this right of search is part of your terms and conditions of employment or training.
2.6 Retained Property or Money
Before leaving Company employment or training, you must return all Company property and money (including personal protective equipment and tools) to the Company. The Company reserves the right to deduct the value of any such property or money not returned from your final wages or other payment due to you.
Acceptance of this right of deduction is part of your terms and conditions of employment or training.
2.7 Confidentiality and Information
It is a condition of your employment that you agree not to divulge (either during or after your employment) any confidential information (recorded or oral) regarding the Company, its employees, or clients, to unauthorized persons, either inside or outside of the business.
It is also a condition of employment that you will not solicit the business of, or deal with, existing and prospective Company clients within twelve months of leaving this Company for similar employment or self-employment elsewhere.
Company information, data, and systems are important assets, and it is your responsibility to safeguard these from loss, destruction, and unauthorized copying, alteration, and disclosure.
Personal use of the Company’s computers is not permitted unless specifically authorized in writing by your manager. The loading of any software or programs onto Company computers by any means, (including the internet), is not allowed without first obtaining written permission from the person responsible for the Company IT system.
Anyone corrupting data and programs, physically damaging equipment, releasing confidential information without authority, or altering or tampering with information in any other form will be subject to disciplinary procedures up to and including dismissal. Criminal offenses will be reported to the police.