VIKING’s Code of Business Conduct

At VIKING, we set high standards for ourselves, our channel partners and suppliers. Via our activities, we work to encourage respect for human rights, employee rights and the environment, and to counteract corruption.

The VIKING Code of Business Conduct describes the requirements and business practices that  guide our decision making and business activities. That means conducting our business with  honesty and integrity in a responsible manner and taking appropriate actions that are ethical and in  compliance with applicable legal requirements of all the countries, in which we operate.

The VIKING Code of Business Conduct is not exhaustive, but focuses on instances of concern to  the VIKING group and its main stakeholders. Our business practices are inspired and guided by  the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact in the fields of human rights, labor rights, the environment and anti-corruption. (Read more about the 10 principles on page 4.)

VIKING requires its group staff, channel partners (for example advisors, agents and distributors), suppliers, consultants, and any other third-party representative to comply with this Code of Business Conduct, while representing and/or conducting business with or on behalf of VIKING LifeSaving Equipment.

While all parties are expected to self-monitor and demonstrate their compliance with this Code of Business Conduct, VIKING is carrying out audits and inspecting facilities to confirm compliance. Violation of the Code of Business Conduct may expose group staff and VIKING to reputational damage and may result in immediate removal of any member of group staff, channel partner or supplier.

Legal and regulatory compliance practices

Trade

VIKING is committed to complying with all applicable trade controls, as well as all applicable export, re-export, and import laws and regulations

Antitrust

Antitrust laws are important tools for ensuring fair, unrestricted competition. VIKING group staff must comply with all antitrust laws in force from time to time which are applicable to the delivery or  performance of goods or services for each country, in which VIKING conducts business.

Anti-corruption

VIKING prohibits corruption and the payment of bribes or kickbacks of any kind, whether in dealings with public officials or individuals in the private sector. Please refer to VIKING’s anticorruption and anti-bribery guidelines for further information.

Business practices and ethics

Business records

VIKING’s books and records must reflect, accurately and fairly, the transactions of the company and dispositions of its assets. No undisclosed or unrecorded funds or assets are to be established for any purpose.

Gifts and entertainment

We encourage the use of good judgment, discretion, and moderation when giving or accepting gifts or entertainment in business settings.

Where possible, VIKING group staff is encouraged to decline or refuse to accept gifts and entertainment. All gifts given or received must be in compliance with the law, and consistent with local customs and practices. VIKING group staff should be aware of repeated offers of token gifts from the same source, which can cumulatively amount to more than token value, and indicate a deliberate intent to secure favorable treatment from VIKING.

Please refer to VIKING’s anti-corruption and anti-bribery guidelines for further information

Conflicts of interest

VIKING group staff must avoid any situation, activity or position, where their personal interests compromise, or may compromise, their judgement or ability to act in the best interest of the company.

Labor practices and human rights

As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, VIKING is committed to engage only in business activities that respect human rights. VIKING also promotes the creation of workplaces that are friendly to all employees. Our channel partners and suppliers are, without limitation, expected to do the same.

Equal opportunity and the prohibition of discrimination

VIKING is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, disability, and sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to above.

Respect for basic labor rights

VIKING respects basic labor rights in all countries and regions, in which we operate, including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.

Respect for employment practices in countries and regions of operation

VIKING strictly prohibits the use of child labor and forced labor. We respect the laws, regulations and employment practices of all countries, in which we operate.

Health and safety

A healthy work environment is one that is safe, empowering, and satisfying. VIKING strives to integrate sound health and management practices into all aspects of business and reduce work-related accidents. VIKING must comply with all safety and health laws, regulations and practices and our channel partners and suppliers are, without limitation, expected to do the same.

Environmental regulations and protection

We recognize that our activities affect the development of society and the environment around us. VIKING plays an active role in improving environmental conditions, wherever there is a natural link  to our business, and we expect our channel partners and suppliers to do the same - without limitation. We care for the environment by complying with environmental legislation and ensuring that reducing the environmental impact is considered, when developing new products and optimizing production processes to reduce waste and resources used.

Protection of assets and intellectual property

VIKING claims ownership, unless agreed otherwise, of all intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, proprietary information, trade secrets and know-how) arising from work undertaken by VIKING group staff during their normal duties of employment. VIKING group staff is required to maintain the confidentiality of all confidential and proprietary information.

Reporting questionable behavior

If you wish to report questionable behavior or a possible violation of the VIKING Code of Business Conduct, please contact your immediate manager, Country Manager or VIKING HQ at +45 7611  8100 or VIKING@VIKING-life.com. We will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible.