Guide to Business Conduct - Summary

The BlueScope Steel Guide to Business Conduct sets out the standards of conduct expected of all BlueScope Steel employees. The Guide to Business Conduct reflects the values in Our Bond, recognising that 'Our strength is in choosing to do what is right'.

Set out below is a summary only of some of the features of the Guide to Business Conduct.

Policies and Standards

Our Bond is the expression of the values of BlueScope Steel, and the way in which the Company and its employees should conduct our business. It also forms the basis upon which BlueScope Steel's policies, standards and guidelines rest.

Our detailed business policies and guidelines apply to all employees. The values of Our Bond and the principles of conduct expressed below, apply to non-executive directors as well as employees. Commitment to the values of Our Bond must be demonstrated by the leaders of the Company.

Our Customers Are Our Partners

When representing BlueScope Steel, our standards as a minimum require that:

we deal with others fairly and honestly;
we act with integrity in our business dealings, avoiding improper or sharp practices;
we are not influenced by considerations which are irrelevant or inappropriate to BlueScope Steel's business;
we act in a manner that ensures BlueScope Steel has a reputation for proper conduct and being true to its word;
we don't accept gifts or other benefits that could influence the way we do business.

Our People Are Our Strength

For BlueScope Steel employees, our standards as a minimum require that:

we maintain a safe work environment;
each employee acts in a way that supports other employees;we treat all employees and candidates for employment fairly and equally, regardless of their personal attributes or beliefs;
each employee is encouraged to develop and achieve their potential;
we take responsibility for the matters which we control.

Our Shareholders Are Our Foundations

In managing BlueScope Steel shareholders' funds, our standards as a minimum require that:

we communicate to shareholders and the market in a full and frank manner;
we are accountable for our actions to BlueScope Steel shareholders;
we manage BlueScope Steel's funds and resources appropriately and that funds and resources are not used to provide unreasonable benefits for ourselves or others;
we only use BlueScope Steel's property for the purpose of the business;
we do not seek to obtain an advantage for ourselves or others from information not generally available.

Our Communities Are Our Home

In operating within communities, our standards as a minimum require that:

we respect the laws, customs and approach to business of the communities in which we operate;
we conduct ourselves in a way that respects the apparent purpose of any laws under which we operate;
where possible, we strive to adopt the highest standard of conduct that applies in any of the communities in which we work in, even where this exceeds the standards of a particular community;
we are accessible and responsive to the needs of local stakeholders.

Key policies and guidelines

The Guide to Business Conduct also discusses some fundamental policies applicable to BlueScope Steel employees.

The topics include Fair Dealing, Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-discrimination, Safety and Health, Company Information, Information Systems, Using Company Funds and Property, Conflicts of Interest, Trading in BlueScope Steel shares, Giving and Receiving Inappropriate Payments, Use of Third Parties and Agents and Travel, Entertainment and Gifts.

Reporting and assistance

Employees are encouraged to refer to Company policies or their supervisor or manager if they have a concern about particular business conduct. Employees can also call a dedicated telephone number, the Business Conduct Reporting Line to discuss issues with specially trained employees within the Company.