CODE OF CONDUCT
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Institute for Work at Height (IWH) is the chartered body dedicated to supporting individuals and corporate members to achieve success through the professionalization and support of the work at height industry. Its main objective is to promote proper conduct and ethical behavior for all its members to the work at height industry. The IWH provides support and advice to members as they strive to embed this code of conduct in their day-to-day activities. All members and their employees agree to be bound by this code of conduct when applying for or renewing their IWH membership.
INTRODUCTION
- The IWH are both the professional body as well as the trade association representing the interests of the Work at Height community in Southern Africa. Its function is to promote high standards, to foster professionalism and to emphasize the responsibility of its members to society, to their clients and to each other as outlined in this Code of Conduct (the Code).
- The Code cannot be considered to be all-encompassing and where challenges arise, members and registered individuals are expected to interpret the Code according to its overall spirit and seek guidance from the IWH NEC.
- This Code is issued by the IWH for compliance by all types of membership
- As a condition of membership with the IWH, all members undertake to abide by this Code.
COMPLIANCE
- Members should conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting a member the IWH, and under no circumstances engage in any act or behaviour that could bring the IWH or its membership into disrepute.
- Members shall refrain from using their membership or the name or logo of the IWH to endorse their products or services or for any personal gain without the express permission of the IWH, which should be given in writing.
- Members shall undertake to keep abreast of new knowledge and techniques and to share that information wherever and whenever appropriate for the general benefit of their professional colleagues.
- Members shall participate whenever possible in the activities of IWH and promote and protect the interests of the IWH. Members shall promote the professional development of Working at Height wherever practical.
- Members shall encourage suitable candidates and corporates to apply for membership with the IWH.
- Members should have due regard to the effects of their work on the environment. They should seek to minimize any direct or indirect harm that their work might cause and to promote methods of working which are environmentally sustainable.
PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY
- Members shall not issue public statements on behalf of the IWH without first obtaining expressed agreement in writing.
- Members may not use the title or logos of the IWH without expressed written permission from the NEC of the IWH.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
The IWH members are required:
- To ensure that their professional actions add value and quality through the provision and management of safe and appropriate working environments, which are of benefit to employees and the broader public and are in line with regulatory requirements.
- To contribute to civic affairs and economic development of the community through the application of professional skills.
- To ensure that in undertaking or commissioning work, that matters of special interest to the community are handled in a full and comprehensive way to enable evaluation of solutions that are consistent with evolving community values.
- To consider the need to achieve sustainable development.
- To ensure that information provided to the public is not misleading, is relevant and in a form that is clearly understood.
- Not to undertake or be involved in fraudulent, dishonest, or criminal activities.
- To create within the community an awareness and appreciation of the value of safe work at height to society.
BREACH OF THIS CODE AND DISPUTES
- Where there is a potential breach of the Code, a formal written complaint must be submitted to the NEC of the IWH about the member in question, from where the Rules and Regulations Committee of the IWH will be notified about the complaint.
- Once a written complaint and supporting evidence is received by the IWH Rules and Regulations Committee, further information may be requested from the complainant.
- If a breach of the Code is investigated and found to have occurred, a copy of the complaint and supporting evidence will be sent to the respondent to allow for a written response.
- Once the respondent’s reply is received, it is sent to the complainant with an option to provide a response to the respondent’s response. Depending on the complainant’s response, further clarification may be required from the respondent.
- Breaches of the Code will be heard and deliberated upon by the IWH Rules and Regulations Committee, which will be made up of at least three members of the IWH NEC and/or persons whom they appoint for that purpose.
- Both the complainant and the respondent will have the right to speak to the IWH Rules and Regulations Committee. The respondent is entitled to representation, legal or otherwise.
- The IWH Rules and Regulations Committee will then deliberate on the case.
- If the IWH Rules and Regulations Committee finds that the member is in breach of this Code, a penalty may be imposed against that member. The member in question will also be required to contribute towards the costs and expenses that were incurred by IWH during the complaints process.
- The findings and decisions of the IWH Rules and Regulations Committee may be included on the IWH website.
- Penalties that the IWH Rules and Regulations Committee may impose, include:
- Forfeiture of membership.
- List Item Suspension of membership for five years or less.
- A fine.
- Reprimanding the member, including publishing their name.
- Cancellation or suspension of any privilege, right or benefit available to the member through their membership.
- Members may appeal the decision of the IWH Rules and Regulations Committee. This appeal will be heard by the IWH NEC. At least 6 NEC members will deliberate the appeal.
- The NEC may call for clarification and may request the complainant and member to appear before it.
- The decision made by the NEC will then be final and no debate whatsoever will be entered into.
CODE OF ETHICAL PRACTICE
In adherence to the above, IWH members promise to abide by the following Code of Ethical Practice:
A quality work at height service is entirely dependent upon the professional integrity of member companies, their directors, and staff.
In the spirit of “EXCELLENCE”, the Institute for Work at Height subscribes to, and adopts the following Code of Ethical Practice and mandates total compliance thereto by all members as a condition of membership.
- All members will use proper care and exercise professional judgement regarding the appropriateness of their actions and discharging their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the statutes of the Republic of South Africa.
- All members shall comply with all relevant industry statutes, the Institute’s constitution, rules, and decisions of the Institute as may be determined from time to time and be open to audit in order to ensure compliance.
- All members will maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity towards their clients, employees, fellow members, and avoid any action contrary to the public interest that would bring the Institute into disrepute.
- All members are expected to provide “fit for the purpose” services to meet client needs.
- All members shall employ competent staff and make them effective through training and the provision of suitable equipment and materials