Supplier Code of Conduct
Spring Step Men, a division of Spring Step Shoes, is committed to conducting business with integrity, responsibility, and respect for people and the environment. We expect our suppliers to uphold the same standards.
Our suppliers, their employees, agents, and subcontractors must operate in accordance with the principles outlined in this Supplier Code of Conduct, which establishes expectations regarding labor and human rights, workplace safety, environmental responsibility, ethical business practices, and operational transparency.
Suppliers must conduct all business activities in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including those governing international trade, labor practices, environmental protection, and workplace safety.
Suppliers are expected to provide safe working conditions, treat workers with dignity and respect, act ethically, and operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Compliance with this Code is required for all suppliers. Violations may jeopardize the supplier’s relationship with Spring Step Shoes and may result in termination of business.
Human Rights & Labor
Spring Step Shoes expects all workers throughout our supply chain to be treated fairly and respectfully. Suppliers must uphold the highest standards of human rights and labor practices.
Child Labor
Suppliers shall not employ child labor. A “child” refers to any person employed under the minimum age for employment or the age required to complete compulsory education under applicable law, whichever is higher.
Workers under the age of 18 may not perform hazardous work or work overtime or night shifts. Suppliers must comply with all laws regarding the employment of minors.
Voluntary Labor
Suppliers must ensure that all work is voluntary. Forced labor, bonded labor, human trafficking, prison labor, or any other form of involuntary labor is strictly prohibited.
Workers must be free to terminate employment in accordance with applicable laws and contracts.
Non-Discrimination
Suppliers must maintain a workplace free from harassment and unlawful discrimination. Employment decisions must be based solely on an individual’s qualifications and ability to perform the job.
Discrimination based on race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, political affiliation, or union membership is strictly prohibited.
Wages & Benefits
Suppliers must comply with all applicable wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, and legally mandated benefits.
Workers must receive compensation that meets or exceeds the applicable legal minimum wage or industry standards. Overtime must be compensated at the legally required premium rate.
Working Hours
Suppliers must comply with applicable laws regarding working hours and rest periods.
Except under extraordinary circumstances, the workweek should not exceed 60 hours including overtime, and workers must receive at least one day off every seven days.
Humane Treatment
Workers must be treated with dignity and respect. Suppliers shall not engage in harassment, abuse, corporal punishment, coercion, or intimidation of any kind.
Any worker housing provided must be clean, safe, and provide reasonable living conditions.
Health & Safety
Safe Working Environment
Suppliers must provide a safe and healthy work environment by identifying and minimizing potential hazards.
This includes proper facility design, preventative maintenance, safety procedures, and ongoing training. Workers must receive safety training in a language they understand.
Incident Reporting
Suppliers must maintain procedures that allow workers to report health and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Reported incidents must be investigated and corrective action implemented where necessary.
Physically Demanding Work
Suppliers must identify and manage risks related to physically demanding work such as repetitive lifting, prolonged standing, and repetitive motion tasks.
Production equipment and workstations should be designed to minimize injury risks.
Personal Protective Equipment
Workers must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and training for its proper use.
Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work and must not be penalized for raising safety concerns.
Emergency Preparedness
Suppliers must establish procedures for responding to emergencies such as fires, spills, or natural disasters.
Emergency preparedness must include:
- Evacuation procedures
- Emergency drills and training
- Hazard detection and suppression equipment
- Clearly marked exits and evacuation routes
Environmental Responsibility
Suppliers are expected to operate in an environmentally responsible manner and work toward minimizing environmental impact.
Compliance with Environmental Laws
Suppliers must comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, including those related to emissions, waste disposal, hazardous materials, and resource conservation.
Environmental Permits
Suppliers must obtain and maintain all required environmental permits and adhere to reporting requirements.
Hazardous Materials
Suppliers must implement systems to identify, manage, store, recycle, and dispose of hazardous substances safely and responsibly.
Ethics & Business Integrity
Spring Step Shoes expects suppliers to maintain the highest standards of integrity in all business dealings.
Suppliers must not engage in bribery, corruption, extortion, kickbacks, embezzlement, or any form of unethical business conduct.
Suppliers must comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and all applicable anti-corruption laws in the countries where they operate.
Business records and financial reporting must be accurate, transparent, and maintained in accordance with applicable laws and industry standards.
Suppliers must immediately report any improper requests or unethical conduct involving Spring Step Shoes personnel.
Compliance & Accountability
Suppliers are responsible for maintaining systems that ensure ongoing compliance with this Code and applicable laws.
Audits & Assessments
Suppliers must conduct regular internal assessments and may be required to certify compliance with this Code.
Spring Step Shoes reserves the right to conduct audits or investigations if non-compliance is suspected.
Documentation
Suppliers must maintain records demonstrating compliance with this Code and all applicable regulations.
Corrective Actions
If violations are identified, suppliers must promptly implement corrective actions to resolve the issue within a reasonable timeframe.
Reporting Violations
Suppliers must report any suspected violations of this Code or applicable laws.
Questions or concerns regarding this Supplier Code of Conduct may be directed to: