Health & Safety policy

Avast Group

Version / Effective date: Version 1.0 / January 1, 2021

Reviewed date / by: December 4, 2020
Owner: People & Culture

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Table of contents

1. Eligibility 3
2. Purpose and scope 3
3. Detail of the policy 3
4. Detail of the procedure 3
5. Roles and responsibilities 6
6. Related documents 6
7. Additional information and assistance 7

Appendices
Appendix 1: Useful guidelines 8
Appendix 2: Local specifics 8

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1. Eligibility
Our Health & Safety policy sets out guidelines relating to health and safety measures for
all employees and business contractors working in one of our Avast offices around the
world and employees in home office scenarios.

2. Purpose and scope

Occupational & Workplace Health and Safety rules help us preserve the best possible
work conditions for our employees. Every employee has a right to feel safe at work. Our
company is committed to follow legal standards and create a hazard-free workplace.
This policy also provides guidance around setting up a hazard-free home office.

3. Detail of the policy

There are two aspects to consider when establishing an Occupational / Workplace
Health and Safety Program: Preventative Action and Emergency Management.

4. Detail of the procedure

Preventative action
Preventative action is any action we take to avoid injuries or illness related to workplace
conditions.

We will conduct periodical risk assessments and job hazard analysis to discover what is
likely to harm employees. We’ll establish preventative measures accordingly.

Potential threats and dangerous situations include but are not limited to:
● Operating dangerous equipment
● Slippery or uneven surfaces
● Electrical infrastructure
● Incorrect desk set-up
● Noise/temperature
● Quality of air

We will take the following preventative measures:

● Inspectors and quality control employees will inspect equipment and
infrastructure regularly in employees’ home and/or will require employee
self-certification depending on local legislation
● We will hold employee online training sessions in health & safety standards and
procedures.

In our offices, we will also schedule fire drills and emergency evacuations periodically.
We will monitor performance of health and safety procedures and will revise them to
ensure higher level of protection.

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Additional measures

Our company will also keep abreast of changes and try to promote health & safety
actively. We will:
● Update our policy according to changes in occupational health and safety
legislation.
● Analyze past incidents to discover what went wrong.
● Establish clear procedures for accident reporting.
● Revise work procedures to make them safer.

Our company will also consult experts or insurance representatives to ensure it

complies with local and international standards.

Home office health and safety tips

Health & Safety measures should also be put in place by employees in home office.
However, it is easy for someone working from home to ignore or forget about basic
safety precautions as they go about their daily routine. Safety is important and must be
addressed even at home. Use this guide to learn how to protect yourself and your family
from work-at-home hazards.

Home Office Computer Safety

The computers and other devices you rely on can be hazardous to your financial and
personal safety if you are not careful. Working from home is just as susceptible to
cybercrime as bigger businesses are. Make sure to:
● Use Firewalls and Antivirus Software to Protect Your Devices
● Protect Your Computer and Mobile Devices from Unauthorized Access
● Avoid Easy-to-Guess Passwords
● Use a VPN
● Use Two-Factor Authentication
● Backup Your Devices

Walking Surfaces in the Home Office

Remember, falls are one of the most common causes of home accidents – please be
mindful:
● Floor surfaces should be level, dry, and free of frayed seams; carpets need to be
well secured to the floor.
● Surfaces should be free of tripping, slipping, or bumping hazards.
● Never allow electrical or telephone cords in walkways.

Electrical Safety
A major cause of fire is overloaded electrical circuits, to avoid any incidents, make sure
to:
● Take care not to overload outlets with too many plugs. If additional outlets are
needed, have a qualified electrician properly install them.
● Circuit breakers or fuse panels should be labeled and accessible.
● Electrical plugs, cords, panels, and receptacles should be in good condition and
free of frayed or loose wires, bare conductors, or broken insulation.
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 ● Make sure your electrical components have sufficient ventilation.
● Phone lines, electrical cords, and extension wires should be secured under a
desk or alongside a baseboard.

Computer Workstations
Computer-related injuries and illnesses can be avoided with some simple ergonomically
sensible applications:
● Workstations should be arranged so that they are comfortable and do not cause
unnecessary strain on the back, arms, or neck.
● Your computer should be placed either on a standard-height desk or workstation
specifically designed for its use.
● Use a chair with good back and arm support.
● Position your keyboard directly in front of you at approximate elbow height.
● Take some breaks where you can stretch, get up, and move around.

Workplace safety practices

● Do not store any item on top of tall cabinets or furniture. To do so would invite
falls and injuries. Try to limit storage to designated storage areas.
● File cabinets are infamous for causing accidents and injuries. Try not to locate
them near entrances or heavily-walked areas where open drawers can become a
hazard. Do not open more than one file drawer at a time – sometimes this can
cause the cabinet to actually tip over.
● Never store a sharp office implement, such as scissors or letter openers, where it
could fall and hurt someone. Unless in use, store safely away in a drawer or
other safe location.
● Chairs and other office furnishings should be structurally sound so that their use
does not cause injury.
● Paper shredders and other equipment that could cause physical injury should be
turned off and unplugged when not in use.

Child Safety
If you have young children and expect them to spend any time in your home office, it’s
time to “childproof” your working space.
● Keep any and all sharp office implements away and out of reach from small
children. Small heavy items in a child’s hand, such as paperweights, could also
cause injury. Store office chemicals out of reach or in a locked storage area.
● Cover unused sockets with plastic covers. Use a surge protector with an on-off
switch that can easily turn off the source of power. Get on your hands and knees
and make sure there are no cords that could trip up little feet.

Should you become injured in your home office, it is imperative that you have readily
available an adequately stocked first aid kit. Consider keeping a separate kit for home
office use only. And be sure to seek medical treatment when warranted. Please also
immediately inform your manager and People Partner.

Always remember, whether you work at corporate headquarters or at a small home

office, office safety – and the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses - should
be one of your utmost priorities.

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Disciplinary Consequences

Every team leader is responsible for implementing this health and safety policy.
Employees should follow health and safety instructions and will be held accountable
when they don’t. We will take disciplinary action that may extend to termination when
employees consistently disregard health and safety rules. ​It is everyone’s responsibility
to contribute to a healthy and safe workplace.

5. Roles and responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities

Occupational Health &

Provides guidelines to employees to support working from anywhere
Safety
Familiarize themselves with the local Health & Safety regulations
Employee
Ensure home office and desks away from the office are set up in line with
Health & Safety rules

Provides support to ensure employees are managing their wellbeing while

Line Manager
working from anywhere

6. Related documents
Infrastructure Security Baselines

Information Security Policy

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7. Additional information and assistance

Where you feel you need additional support to discuss Health & Safety guidelines beyond your line
manager, please speak with your People Partner.

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Appendices
Appendix 1: Useful ​Guidelines

- The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors’s ​Working from Home
infographic
- The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors’s ​Guideline for Mobile
Working

Appendix 2: Local specifics

This global policy is designed as an overarching framework. Please also note the
importance to comply with the local specific labor laws, policies and procedures as
applicable, as well as any other contractual arrangements as per employment
agreements.

Handbooks

Czech Republic
Employee Handbook CZ on CML

H&S guidelines for employees in CZ

Slovakia
Employee Handbook Slovakia on CML
United States
Employee Handbook US on CML

California - Injury & Illness Prevention Program

England
Employee Handbook UK on CML

Employee Handbook Serbia on CML

Serbia
Employee Handbook NL on CML
Netherlands
Guidelines from Federal Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
Germany

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