KAESER KOMPRESSOREN policy statement

KAESER KOMPRESSOREN is a family business with over 100 years of history. Traditionally, we have always linked our economic objectives with our responsibility for human beings and nature. 

For us, respect for human rights is a fundamental component of responsible business management. It is therefore imperative to us that human rights are adhered to throughout the entire business, and are respected by our partners and suppliers as well. 

The following human rights policy statement expresses our traditional values, as well as our future responsibilities. KAESER KOMPRESSOREN is committed to protecting human rights and conserving the environment. In accordance with the United Nations’ “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights”, we are committed to the principles of the following internationally recognised human rights frameworks and standards:

• United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Conventions and recommendations of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on labour and social standards
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
• Guiding principles of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for multinational enterprises
• Principles of the UN Global Compact

In order to fulfil our claim with regard to recognition and respect of human rights and protection of the environment, we have integrated this obligation into our corporate strategy. We require that our employees adhere to the principles of ecological, social and ethical behaviour, and actively integrate them into our corporate culture. 

At KAESER KOMPRESSOREN, we are committed to responsible procurement of production and non-production materials and services, and we formulate clear expectations of our suppliers: We require that our direct suppliers comply with our standards on human rights and working conditions, and communicate these to their employees. Furthermore, we expect our standards to be adhered to in the upstream supply chains, and that compliance with them will be monitored.

Due diligence with respect to human rights is a continuous process. To this end, we subject our own business activities and relationships to a recurring risk analysis. This risk analysis is conducted on the basis of product groups, different media, the country in which a business partner operates, and audits. By means of this risk management, we are able to evaluate human rights risks in our processes, implement preventative measures and bring them to fruition. 

If, in spite of all our precautionary measures, a risk is found to exist that our business activities cause a negative impact on human rights, we have a process in place by which we can evaluate, change, adjust and/or correct the activity. 

This risk analysis is subject to regular review and is evaluated by the Managing Board at the end of the financial year. Implemented measures are checked for their effectiveness on an ongoing basis. 

In order to ensure respect of human rights and protection of the environment, KAESER KOMPRESSOREN offers close cooperation to all suppliers in the supply chain. In addition, we use cooperation in initiatives to join forces with other actors from the world of business, politics and civil society.

We are conscious that, in spite of due diligence with respect to human rights, violations can occur. For this reason, we have introduced a complaints mechanism. This enables us to record risks, detect violations and initiate countermeasures. Daily management and monitoring of our human rights policy is the duty of our Compliance department. 

Our whistle-blower system provides everyone connected with KAESER KOMPRESSOREN – be they employees, business partners, suppliers or customers – with the chance to report any violations. A message can be sent by E-mail at any time. Complaints will be handled confidentially and documented accordingly (whistle-blower process).

We will continue to communicate guidelines from our policy statement, thereby sensitising and informing employees, business partners and suppliers. 

The world finds itself in a state of constant change. For this reason, we continually review our risk assessment and the resulting measures. Furthermore, we subject our processes, policy statement and communication to regular inspections and adapt them where necessary.