Why Whistleblow?
H. Östberg AB strives to achieve transparency and maintain high business ethics. Our whistleblowing service offers a confidential way to make the organization aware of suspected irregularities. The service is an important tool for reducing risks and maintaining trust in our operations by enabling us to identify and address suspected irregularities at an early stage. Whistleblower reports can be submitted openly or anonymously.
When Can You Whistleblow?
The whistleblowing service can be used to report serious risks of irregularities that may affect people, our organization, society, or the environment. The Whistleblower Protection Act (2021:890) applies when reporting, in a work-related context, information about misconduct that is of public interest.
Cases reported may include information about crimes, irregularities, violations, or other actions that breach EU or national legislation in a work-related context, such as:
- Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Including bribery, unfair competition, money laundering, fraud, and conflicts of interest
- Environmental Crimes: Such as illegal handling of hazardous waste
- Integrity Violations: Such as improper use of personal data.
Matters relating to dissatisfaction in the workplace, discrimination, or similar issues are not covered by the whistleblowing service but are handled according to existing policies and procedures.
A whistleblower does not need to provide evidence of their suspicion. However, no accusations should be made with malicious intent or based on false information. Misuse of the whistleblowing service is a serious disciplinary offense.
In addition to the protection provided by the Whistleblower Protection Act, the constitutional laws Freedom of the Press Act (1949:105) and Freedom of Expression Act (1991:1469) provide for the right to communicate and acquire information independently of the Whistleblower Protection Act. Everyone can freely exercise their rights under these laws, regardless of whether they are covered by the Whistleblower Protection Act.
How Can the Whistleblowing Service Be Used?
There are several ways to report a suspicion:
- Option 1: Contact a manager within our organization.
- Option 2: Communicate anonymously and confidentially through the case management reporting channel: Link to H. Östberg AB Whistleblowing Service.
- Option 3: Contact HR/HSE Manager Ann-Christine Perers.
- Option 4: Report via external reporting channels to the relevant authority: See Regulation SFS 2021:949 for a list of competent authorities and their responsibilities.
All reports will be handled confidentially. The whistleblowing service is managed by &frankly, and all messages are encrypted.