No business is an island. To do what it does well, it needs the support of its suppliers, contractors and business partners. And success demands alignment. Alignment that we at Saskarc follow and share with the help of our Supplier Code of Conduct. So why does the supplier code of conduct matter to us experts in temporary steel works?
In this blog we cover why the Saskarc Supplier Code of Conduct is so critical to us, the challenges it addresses, the benefits it provides to our clients, partners and customers, as well as frequently asked questions from vendors and suppliers. The Code of Conduct is not just about compliance. It is about creating with confidence. Building trust through steel-solid principles.
At Saskarc, where we fabricate temporary steel works for critical infrastructure projects across North America, our supply chain is as strong as the steel we deliver. That’s why our steel supplier code of conduct is more than a policy. It is a promise.
Every great structure starts with a blueprint. And in our world of temporary steel works, the blueprint is the supplier code of conduct. A document that sets the stage for ethical & principles driving procurement of services and materials.
With the growth of industries & supply chains, forward thinking organizations realized the importance of ethical and sustainable practices to their survival. Potential risks linked to ignorance of social issues, environmental challenges, human rights and labor rights in the supply chain were too large to ignore. Risks include reputational damage, financial losses, and legal liabilities.
So, companies created supplier codes of conduct guidelines to document standards for members of their supply chain ecosystems. This document helps a company align their suppliers, contractors, subsidiaries and business partners to values it holds dear – be it labor standards, health and safety, environmental impacts or business ethics. Over time, governments set in place regulations that formalized these expectations. Setting in place principles that respect people and the planet alike.
Tight schedules and complex logistical demands drive the temporary steel works segment. The focus is on reducing costs, maintaining schedules and reducing risk. However, this focus on speed and structural integrity, which Saskarc is known for, cannot come at the cost of doing the right thing.
Which is why Saskarc’s supplier code of conduct is in place to ensure that everyone in our projects, including steel suppliers to contractors (locally & internationally), adhere to values that support a safe, fair and inclusive environment. It covers key issues such as:
This Code is the common language connecting all stakeholders even if they operate across different legal, cultural and geographical environments.
Five pillars, or shall we say struts & walers, support the ethical backbone of Saskarc’s steel supplier code of conduct.
Implementing a supplier code of conduct for temporary steel works isn’t without its challenges:
Many of our suppliers operate across different jurisdictions. Which means different interpretations. Our supplier code of conduct creates a consistent, enforceable standard.
Suppliers often subcontract portions of their work. Our code insists on cascading compliance. This means our suppliers are responsible for their suppliers.
Some vendors may be unfamiliar with formal ethical codes. We see this as an opportunity for education, development, and ultimately, stronger relationships.
While it’s not a standalone contract, adherence is a requirement for doing business with Saskarc.
Depending on the severity, it may lead to corrective actions, suspension, or termination of the relationship.
Yes. We expect all suppliers to cascade these expectations down to their own supply chain.
Absolutely. Saskarc provides support and clarification where needed to help partners meet the standards.
No. The code applies to all suppliers, regardless of geography.
You can find it here : Saskarc policies
