S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T
GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The Manager believes that effective corporate governance is
critical to its performance as a manager of A-REIT. Its business
conduct and practices across all A-REIT’s operations are
guided by a robust and comprehensive corporate governance
framework. The Manager’s core values of discipline and
integrity form an integral part of this framework, as set out in
the Ascendas Group’s suite of “Discipline & Conduct” policies.
These policies that encompass areas such as conflict of interest,
corruption and bribery, are published on the company’s
intranet. They are also communicated to all staff at induction
and through an annual refresher e-learning course. At least
twice a year, training sessions on anti-money laundering are
conducted for management and operational staff. Concerns of
non-compliance, if any, may be raised through an independently
managed whistleblowing hotline or online reporting channels
(please refer to
for further information). There
were no conclusive cases of corruption or anti-competitive
behaviour, and no reported cases of non-compliance with laws
and regulations during the year.
Further details on corporate governance may be found on page
97 to 117.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY
The Property Manager is committed to minimising risks,
securing the safety, and protecting the health of all those
impacted by A-REIT’s operations. This includes employees as
well as A-REIT’s contractors, tenants and visitors. The Property
Manager’s health and safety management system is certified to
the international OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety
System, the locally recognised BizSAFE Star, and the Bureau of
Work Safety in China.
Workplace and Tenant Safety
Table 4: Workplace Safety Key Performance Indicators
Targets
Performance
Zero reportable workplace-
related incidents for employees
2 incidents, resulting
in a total of 70 lost
days, for reasons
explained on page 81
Zero cases of work-related back
injuries and strains in employees
caused by lifting operations
Achieved
The Property Manager promotes a safety culture that has zero
tolerance towards workplace injuries. A safety committee
assumes responsibility for monitoring and improving the
safety performance of A-REIT’s properties. 6 key activities are
undertaken to ensure the prevention of ill health and injury, as
well as compliance with prevailing laws and regulations:
Figure 2: 6 Key Safety Activities
Standard operating procedures are also in place to respond to
emergencies such as fire, explosion, and collapse of structure.
All employees, tenants and visitors can report any incidents at
the properties to the building’s officers-in-charge. An objective
investigation of the incident will be conducted to determine
the cause of the accidents, which would be followed up with
timely preventive and corrective actions. The Manager takes up
public liability insurance to cover any accidents and mishaps to
employees or visitors to A-REIT’s properties.
Regular internal audits are conducted at the properties,
while external audits are conducted annually by a third
party accredited certification body. Safety lapses, progress
on performance, and improvement plans are discussed for
further action in monthly meetings.
Carry out risk assessment
and check all control
measures are implemented
prior to initiation of any
work activity
Conduct Safety Induction
for new joiners through
E-learning Module
Ensure all contractors have
at least bizSAFE level 3
1.
3.
5.
2.
4.
6.
Conduct regular safety
awareness training to
employees
Ensure 100% contractor
awareness on safety
management systems
through declaration and
performance evaluation
Promotional posters,
emails and campaign
programmes for
workplace safety
ASCENDAS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST ANNUAL REPORT 2014/15
