Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BHP Our Code English
BHP Our Code English
Speak up 6
What happens when you speak up? 6
Protecting those who speak up 6
What happens if you breach Our Code? 7
CEO message
Our decisions and actions are guided by the values in Our Charter. In fact, it was BHP’s
commitment to these values that was one of the reasons I came to work here nearly two
decades ago.
Our Code of Conduct brings these values to life. It reminds us why values are important and
helps us understand them in practice.
Our Code is not just for employees and contractors. Operating with integrity is everyone’s
responsibility so Our Code applies to you if you work for us, with us, or on our behalf.
We use our values and Our Code to drive the best possible outcomes. They guide our
partnerships with the communities in which we operate all the way through to how we
work with our customers around the world. And we never compromise on these values.
They guide how we create a workplace where everyone, including those we work with,
feel respected and safe to speak up if they see something that might contradict Our Code…
and we won’t tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern.
BHP must be a place where people feel safe and free to contribute their best. But that’s going “We use our values and
to require every one of us to become active bystanders, have difficult conversations, reflect Our Code to drive the
on our own biases and always call out poor behaviours.
best possible outcomes.”
We all have to come together and own this collectively.
I see the commitment from our people every day, and while we will always strive to be better,
this makes me so proud to lead BHP.
Mike Henry
Chief Executive Officer
Our Code
Our Code matters Our Code applies to you Don’t look the other way, speak up
At BHP, our purpose is to bring people and resources Operating with integrity is everyone’s If you think a decision or action is not in line with Our Code
together to build a better world. responsibility so if you work for us, with us, or Our Charter values, please speak up. If you’re not sure,
our Quick Test can help:
Everywhere we operate, we are committed to doing what or on our behalf, Our Code applies to you.
is right and doing what we say we will do. We care as much
We expect you to:
about how results are achieved as the results themselves. Values: does this fit with the values in
That’s why Our Code matters. It helps us deliver on our • read and understand Our Code Our Charter?
purpose and make the right decisions every day.
• complete annual mandatory training on Our Code and
In Our Code, you’ll find clear guidance on how Our Charter any role-specific training that is assigned to you Safety: could this directly or indirectly
values of sustainability, integrity, respect, performance, endanger someone or cause them physical
• comply with Our Code, the Our Requirements standards,
simplicity and accountability can be put into practice. or mental harm?
any BHP policies, statements, standards and commitments
You’ll know how Our Code applies to you and understand and any procedures that apply to your role, and all
what is acceptable – and what’s not – when working with applicable laws of the country in which you’re working Media: if this appeared as a story in the media,
colleagues, suppliers, contractors, customers, governments would I feel comfortable?
• understand Our Code applies to you at site, in offices,
and communities. And while Our Code can’t describe or
when working remotely, in camp or other BHP-provided
anticipate every situation, if you see – or suspect – a breach Law: is this legal and in line with our policies
accommodation, at BHP functions, when travelling,
of Our Code, you’ll know how to raise your concern or and procedures?
and at all times when you are representing BHP
seek help.
• speak up and report any concerns or breaches
For a glossary of terms used within Our Code visit Family: what would I tell my partner, parent,
of Our Code
bhp.com/ourcode. child or friend to do?
• contribute to a culture in line with Our Code.
Conscience: does this fit with my
If you are in a leadership role, we also expect you to: personal values?
• lead by example and role model behaviour that’s
in line with Our Code and Our Charter values Feel: what’s my intuition or ‘gut feel’? Would
• ensure every member of your team understands their I feel comfortable if this was seen, overheard
responsibilities to comply with Our Code at all times or shared with a colleague, leader or stranger?
Speak up What happens when you speak up? Protecting those who speak up
When raising a concern or reporting a breach of We treat every report of a potential breach of Ensuring you can speak up without threats,
Our Code, be open, accurate and provide as much Our Code sensitively, respectfully and confidentially. intimidation, harassment, exclusion or humiliation
information as you can. is critical. We won’t tolerate retaliation or allow any
• Once a concern is raised, it’s assessed and triaged form of punishment, discipline or retaliatory action
• If you’re an employee or contractor, talk to your by our Ethics team according to the categories to be taken against anyone for speaking up, intending
line leader, 2Up leader, Employee Relations advisor, set out in the Our Requirements for Business to speak up or being suspected of speaking up, or for
HR Business Partner, Ethics and Investigations, Conduct standard. cooperating with an investigation. You can find more
Compliance or Legal. You can also raise your information in our Speaking up with confidence
• Sometimes, advice, support and guidance may
concern via EthicsPoint. Guidance Note. In some circumstances, you may
resolve the concern. In some matters, our Ethics
• If you’re a community member, former employee, Support Service can also offer an alternative also have legal protection when you speak up. Refer
supplier or vendor, you can speak with your BHP resolution option acceptable to the impacted person. to BHP’s Whistleblower Policy for more information.
contact point, access the community complaints If an investigation is warranted (and guided by the
Anyone involved in retaliatory behaviour is breaching
and grievance mechanism or contact EthicsPoint. wishes of the impacted person where possible),
Our Code and will be subject to disciplinary action.
we’ll review in line with the process set out in the
In certain circumstances, retaliation may also breach
Our Requirements for Business Conduct standard.
whistleblower laws and BHP’s Whistleblower Policy.
• Depending on the nature of the matter reported If you believe you or anyone else may be, or have
and in line with the Our Requirements for Business been, retaliated against for speaking up, report to
Conduct standard, investigations may be performed your line leader, 2Up leader, Ethics and Investigations,
by the Central Investigations Team within Ethics and Compliance, Legal or EthicsPoint.
Investigations, Compliance, a leader, HR/Employee
Relations or an external investigator. Any information you provide will be kept in confidence
to the fullest extent possible, consistent with law
• If you have any concerns during the process, speak
and good business practices. If you’ve disclosed
to your line leader, 2Up leader, Ethics and Compliance
your identity when making a report, this will only
or EthicsPoint.
be disclosed if we’re compelled to by law, if you’ve
consented or if we determine it’s appropriate to refer
the matter to emergency services, law enforcement
or a regulator. If you’ve chosen to make an anonymous
report, we will respect your decision.
Always
Never
own health, safety or security, or to that of others. medically fit, free of alcohol and drugs and sufficiently
rested and alert to do so.
Being fit for work means being able to perform your role • Undertake any work that appears unsafe, including if the
safely. You are required to be alcohol and drug free at required personal protective equipment is not available.
work and comply with applicable alcohol limitations at
accommodation villages and during other work-related • Consume any drugs, be intoxicated or consume more
activities or travel. We may ask you to undergo random drug than the local alcohol limit at a BHP accommodation
and alcohol testing and you must comply with these requests. village, while participating in a BHP organised event
or representing BHP.
If you are concerned about a colleague, please talk to a leader • Take prescribed or non-prescribed drugs without
or contact the Employee Assistance Program. understanding and declaring the impact on your ability
to safely do your job.
Always • Have illegal drugs or property in your possession
on BHP sites.
• Immediately stop any work that appears unsafe or if the • Bring firearms onto BHP premises without an approved
required personal protective equipment is not used. firearms management plan in line with the Our
• Comply with relevant health, security and safety Requirements for Security, Crisis and Emergency
requirements, use all personal protective equipment Management standard and Business Continuity Plans.
provided and help others who work with you to do
the same.
Sexual
Racism
harassment
Harassment Bullying and racial Discrimination
and sexual
harassment
assault
An action or behaviour Sexual harassment is an Repeated behaviour Racial harassment is a racial slur, derogatory comment Adverse treatment of
that would be reasonably unwelcome sexual advance, directed towards or unwanted conduct based on race, descent, ancestry, an individual or group
viewed as humiliating, unwelcome request for sexual a worker (or group ethnicity, ethnic origin, nationality, national origin, country based on personal
intimidating or offensive. favours or other unwelcome of workers) that a of origin, colour or status as an immigrant. attributes unrelated
conduct of a sexual nature, which reasonable person, to job performance,
makes a person feel offended, having considered the such as race, gender
humiliated and/or intimidated, circumstances, may Racism, including racial harassment, can appear in a variety identity, sex, age,
where a reasonable person see as unreasonable, of ways. Racist conduct includes racial harassment and origin, ethnicity,
would anticipate that reaction including victimising, other forms of prejudice, discrimination or hatred directed sexual orientation,
A single, one-off incident in the circumstances. humiliating, intimidating at a person based on race, descent, ancestry, ethnicity, intersex status,
of unreasonable or threatening ethnic origin, nationality, national origin, country of origin, gender reassignment,
behaviour that would behaviour. colour or status as an immigrant. transgender status,
be reasonably viewed as Sexual harassment encompasses disability, marital
a range of conduct including Racial harassment can be a one-off comment. It is and civil partnership
humiliating, intimidating
displaying sexually graphic Repeated humiliating important to remember that a racially harassing comment status, religion, political
or offensive is not
images, sexually suggestive or threatening affects not only the target of the comment but also opinion, pregnancy,
workplace bullying,
comments, suggestive or behaviour can colleagues and onlookers. Even if a person genuinely breastfeeding or family
but it could constitute
inappropriate looks gestures constitute bullying. thinks a recipient will understand that a racist comment responsibilities.
harassment. Single
or staring, non-consensual was not meant to be insulting or hurtful, that comment
incidents of harassment
touching or acts of a sexual Consistent with Our may still have an effect on others that is not acceptable
should not be ignored.
nature and sexual assault. Code and Our Charter and will not be tolerated. We will not tolerate
This behaviour is
in breach of Our Code values, our leaders are any form of unlawful
Sexual harassment is not always empowered to lift the Racial harassment and racism more generally are not
and there is a risk the discrimination.
obvious, repeated or continuous. performance of their only overt acts of abuse or harassment but will include all
behaviour might be Unlawful discrimination
While bullying is characterised teams through regular forms of conduct - conscious or unconscious, explicit or
repeated or escalate. against a person
by repeated behaviour, sexual coaching and feedback implicit - that prevent others from participating in workplace
based on personal
harassment can be a one-off that is respectful and life because of their race. Sometimes this can be caused
Reasonable attributes unrelated
incident. constructive. Such by policies and practices rather than the actions of one
management action to job performance,
coaching and feedback individual -- this is often referred to as structural, systemic or
does not constitute is prohibited.
are not harassment institutional racism. BHP is committed to continually seeking
harassment.
or bullying. to understand where structural, systemic or institutional
racism might exist in our business and to taking action to
address it. If you suspect this is occurring, please speak up.
The possible impact of the action or behaviour on the recipient considering all the circumstances (not just the intent of the person using the behaviour) is considered when determining
whether the action or behaviour is bullying, harassment of any kind or discrimination.
1. As defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Be environmentally responsible
Our environmental performance and Those who work with us are encouraged to actively • Undertake work that has the potential to impact on
management of environmental impacts contribute to improving our environmental performance the environment unless you are trained and competent
and comply with our environmental requirements, including to do so and controls are in place to minimise
is an important part of our contribution at an Asset level. Refer to the Our Requirements for environmental impacts.
to social value. Environment and Climate Change standard or speak to
• Engage contractors, suppliers, customers or joint venture
your primary BHP contact for more information about our
We recognise the importance of a healthy environment and partners without an assessment that takes into account
environmental requirements or any suggestions you have
steward a nature-positive approach to the management, their environmental and community impacts, risks,
on how we can improve environmental stewardship.
conservation and restoration of land, water and biodiversity. controls and performance.
Our environmental responsibility is to understand and avoid
or minimise environmental impacts and contribute to the Always Hypothetical scenario
resilience of, and positive impact to, the natural environment
at every stage of our operations.
• Immediately stop any work that may contribute to ur waste is disposed off-site by a licensed waste
O
Q:
Our role in responding to global challenges is set out a significant environmental or community event such facility that is audited by our regulators. Do I also
in our position statements on Climate Change and as an accident, incident, spill or release of material. have to review their performance?
Water Stewardship and our approach to environmental • Report any actual or potential impact to the environment
management in the Our Requirements for Environment A: es, you should review the performance of all
Y
or communities from an environmental event to your
and Climate Change standard. We also have company-level suppliers to ensure they manage their environmental
line leader or 2Up leader (don’t assume someone else
public environmental targets and longer-term goals for performance appropriately. Direct, indirect and
will report).
water, biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions cumulative environmental impacts and their
• Identify, understand and comply with any environmental associated risks and controls need to be assessed
and report publicly on a range of indicators in metrics,
and regulatory requirements that relate to your work, by BHP. This includes environmental impacts
which are available on our website.
including any land disturbance, water, air, biodiversity, associated with our direct operational activities,
We identify, assess and control risks in accordance with dust, noise and waste management requirements. impacts from others as a result of activities on
the Our Requirements for Risk Management standard • Identify, assess and take steps to avoid and minimise which our operations rely and impacts from others
and work in partnership with others to contribute to adverse environmental impacts associated with that may increase the severity of our own impacts.
a resilient environment. your work and take opportunities to improve
environmental performance. Our hypothetical scenarios will help you apply
What this means for you • Encourage those who work with us and our customers
Our Code every day. Scan the QR Code or go to
What this means for you • Hire, promote or directly supervise a close relative,
or use businesses of close relatives unless this has
Avoid business and personal dealings that create a conflict been specifically authorised via the Conflict of
of interest or a potential or a perceived conflict of interest, Interest register.
even if you don’t think there is one. Conflicts can also arise • Appoint or award business to any party that you are
during the course of a normal business relationship due to personally or financially associated with.
a change in circumstances.
• Misuse BHP resources (including information) or your
Report all actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest position of influence at BHP to promote or assist an
in the Conflict of Interest register. external activity or party.
• Interfere in the fair and transparent operation of bid
Reject offers of travel and accommodation from or tender activities.
external parties. If there is a valid business purpose to
attend an event or function, BHP will pay for travel and/or • Accept gifts, hospitality, entertainment or other favours
accommodation costs. or benefits from anyone you are evaluating in a bid or
tender with BHP.
Report truthfully
Reporting truthfully ensures we maintain the • Cooperate with our internal and external auditors and A: ll reporting we do across the organisation should
A
trust of our stakeholders. disclose all pertinent information that could reasonably be factual and not give the impression that work
impact the data verification process and results of has been completed when it is has not, even if there
When creating and maintaining data it must be accurate, an audit. is a strong belief the work will be completed soon.
complete and appropriate. There is never a justification • Ensure no undisclosed or unrecorded account, fund
for falsifying records, misrepresenting facts or engaging or asset is established or maintained. Our hypothetical scenarios will help you apply
in any other fraudulent behaviour. All financial and non- Our Code every day. Scan the QR Code or go to
financial reports must be evidenced by appropriate source • Ensure work-related expenses are legitimate, reasonable
documents, verified for validity, accuracy and completeness, and supported by valid receipts and invoices.
https://www.bhp.com/our-code-scenario17
properly authorised and accurately and completely recorded • Return or transfer the custody of all relevant business
in the relevant accounts, systems and records. records if you change roles within the company or
if you leave BHP. Do not keep personal copies.
What this means for you
If you are responsible for reporting financial or non-
Never
financial information, ensure you follow processes and
establish adequate internal controls to achieve truthful, • Falsify any record or make a false or misleading entry
accurate, appropriate, complete, consistent, timely and including omitting any information.
understandable reports that represent BHP and our • Circumvent review and approval procedures for reporting
business activities. Understand and comply with the Our financial or non-financial information.
Requirements standards as they apply to your role, and all
applicable financial, regulatory and reporting requirements, • Allow others to do anything that would compromise
laws and regulations in the relevant jurisdiction. the integrity of BHP’s records or reports.
• Disclose or disseminate confidential information
If you have any concerns about the validity of any reporting or competitively sensitive information without
process or record-keeping activity, or believe you are prior authorisation.
being asked to create false or misleading information,
report immediately to your 2Up, Ethics and Investigations, • Misstate your qualifications, experience or achievements.
Compliance or via EthicsPoint. • Dispose of documents and records without knowing what
is being discarded or whether they must be kept for legal
reasons.
Always
• Make and keep books, records and accounts which, Hypothetical scenario
in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect BHP’s
transactions in accordance with all applicable laws, Q: I have been asked to provide a written update
regulations, standards and procedures. on the progress of one of our team’s key
• Speak up immediately if you suspect fraudulent activity improvement initiatives. We are behind schedule
and report any actual or suspected irregularities or but I know we will catch up in the next month
weaknesses in internal controls, accounting or reporting. or two. Do I need to specifically say we are
behind schedule?